Class of 2025 Graduates from Forestry Academy
CAPTION: Forestry Academy Class of 2025: Cody Hollen, Baldwin County; Logan Fisher, Fayette County; Chris Roos, Fayette County; Travis Dean, Pickens County; Cameron Mims, Barbour County; Andy Reier, Baldwin County; Phil Hall, Tallapoosa County; Andrew Wakeford, Hale County; Michael Manion, Baldwin County; Stetson Payne, Henry County; Khollon Brown, Crenshaw County; Lucas Jones, Mobile County; Noah Coleman, Russell County; Garrett Dyar, Macon County; TJ Stoudenmire, Tallapoosa County; and Forestry Academy Director, Brad Lang
The Alabama Forestry Commission is proud to announce the recent graduation of 16 employees from AFC’s 2025 Forestry Academy hosted at the Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center in Andalusia. The commencement ceremony honoring the intensive eight-week study and practice of forest protection, forest management, and teamwork building took place on May 2.
The cohort is comprised of recently hired foresters and forest rangers representing 13 counties across the state who now possess a wealth of knowledge that will stand the test of time throughout their respective careers. The students are graduating with more than just the lessons learned, they have built life-long friendships among their classmates, binding them together in a sense of camaraderie.
State Forester Rick Oates encouraged the students to reflect on the three facets of their experience at the Forestry Academy: safety, service – serving the people of the state through forest management, protection from wildfires, and storm response – and finally, community involvement. He urged them to take pride in the uniform they don each morning and to represent themselves and the agency with grace and a servant heart.
In congratulating the 16 graduates on their achievement, Assistant State Forester Will Brantley noted the sacrifices made and the dedication of both students and instructors to complete eight weeks of Forestry Academy. He acknowledged that he would be remiss to not include the Solon Dixon Center staff and Auburn University in his recognitions. This collaboration has provided the perfect setting for the educational endeavors and has become the ‘home away from home’ for AFC.
An outstanding keynote address was delivered by Mrs. Connie Rowe, Senior Advisor to Alabama’s Lieutenant Governor. She imparted inspirational wisdom in challenging the students to recognize the importance of relationships, how every decision made shapes the future, and that perspective is key. Mrs. Rowe’s hearty anecdotes made for an engaging and motivational speech.
Since 1924, the mission of the Alabama Forestry Commission has been to protect and sustain Alabama’s forest resources using professionally applied stewardship principles and education, ensuring that the state’s forests contribute to abundant timber and wildlife, clean air and water, and a healthy economy. For more information about the Alabama Forestry Commission, visit the AFC website at forestry.alabama.gov.
