College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Forestry

MILLER ROSS | BS ‘61

After receiving my BS in Forestry in 1961, I worked briefly with a pulpwood operation in upper MI. The USFS finally came through and stationed me in Wyoming. I spent 37 years in timber management in Wyoming, Colorado, and finally in Alaska. I retired in 2000 after the environmentalists had effectively converted the Tongass National Forest into a national park.

I’ve continued to live in Alaska spending most of my time at my cabin in the bush. Extensive bark beetle kill and overmature birch stands provide plenty of raw material for my sawmill, woodworking projects, plus firewood for the stove.

My MSU degree and USFS employment enabled me to have a satisfying career applying and supervising most aspects of forest management.  At the same time being able to enjoy outdoor experiences many of my friends are only able to dream about.   

STEVE SLOAN | ‘BS ‘65

Enjoying a long retirement from the rigors of New York State Government. Fishing, hunting, shooting and family keep me active. Must say I look back on the MSU Forestry days as such a formative time in my life.

TERRY RAETTIG | MS ‘73

Retired from USFS in 2001, then taught geography at South Puget Sound Community college for 10 years.

BRIAN STACEY | BS ‘90

After beginning my career with Oregon State University’s Research Forests, my mother got sick and I had to move back to Michigan to help with things. As things turned out, I never made it back out west. I am fortunate for the position I am in (Owner-President of Progress Chemical) and still love to fascinate my wife and kids with my Dendrology knowledge no matter where we happen to be.

ERIC STAFNE | BS ‘93

I’ve been at Mississippi State University for 14 years now. In 2023 I was named Outstanding Extension Educator by the American Society for Horticultural Science. This year (July, 2025), I will be named a Fellow of the American Society for Horticultural Science at the annual conference in New Orleans. But, more importantly, I also recently celebrated my 25th Wedding anniversary with my wife Richelle.

MARGARET MILLER | BS '11

I’m the Forest Landowner Program Manager at the Oregon Forest Resources Institute, where I create practical, engaging resources to help landowners care for their forests. I work closely with other state agencies, universities, and forestry organizations to host workshops, tours, and develop tools on topics like wildfire resilience, forest health, sustainable harvesting and habitat. I love connecting people with knowledge that supports both their land and our shared landscape. Becoming a new mom this year has made my work feel even more meaningful, knowing I’m helping people manage their lands for future generations.

EMILIE HEBENSTREIT  | BS ‘25

I am continuing my internship at Michigan DNR in the Lansing office working on timber sale proposal review.

I have also signed my offer letter to pursue an M.S. in Forest Economics with the MSU Department of Forestry.