Authored by: Aubrey Pawlikowski Chad Bolding, professor and Langdale Endowed Chair in the Harley Langdale Jr. Center for Forest Business, was named associate dean for research, effective Jan. 1, 2026, in the University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. He succeeded Nate Nibbelink, who was promoted to associate vice president for strategic research growth in the UGA Office of Research in January 2025, and Kamal Gandhi, who served as interim associate dean following Nibbelink’s promotion. As associate dean for research, he leads efforts to expand Warnell’s research enterprise, foster collaboration across disciplines, and strengthen external partnerships that advance forestry, natural resources, and sustainability. “Chad has a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach that reflects Warnell’s research culture,” said J. Todd Petty, dean of the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources. “He understands how to connect science to application, and his leadership will help faculty strengthen partnerships and broaden the school’s research impact.” A specialist in forest operations and business, Bolding focuses on improving the efficiency, profitability, and sustainability of forest management systems. His research examines supply chain management, harvesting technologies, transportation logistics, biomass utilization, and management practices that support both economic and environmental goals. Bolding has served as principal or co-principal investigator on 60 grants totaling nearly $26 million. He has published more than 80 peer-reviewed papers and mentored 36 graduate students in forest operations and business research. He also serves as associate editor for International Journal of Forest Engineering and Forest Science in the areas of harvesting, engineering, and utilization. “I am honored for the opportunity to serve Warnell in the role of associate dean for research,” Bolding said. “I’m excited to work with faculty, staff, and students to support their work and scholarship.” “We have a tremendous opportunity to expand upon our strengths, build capacity in new areas, and creatively engage partners to grow and diversify our research impact to meet the needs of the future.” Before joining UGA, Bolding was a professor at Virginia Tech for 14 years, where he directed the Forest Operations and Business Research Cooperative. He previously spent two years on the faculty at Clemson University. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in forestry from Auburn University, as well as a Master of Forestry in silviculture and a doctorate in forest engineering from Oregon State University. Bolding’s appointment reflects Warnell’s commitment to advancing research that supports the sustainable management of natural resources across Georgia and beyond.
