Steve Smutko
The University of Wyoming received a boost in its collaborative process efforts with
the hiring of Steve Smutko as the new Wyoming Excellence Spicer Distinguished Chair
in Environment and Natural Resources -- a first of its kind in the nation devoted
to collaborative decision-making.
Smutko in January will join the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics,
in addition to his role as UW's Spicer Chair, based in the Haub School and Ruckelshaus
Institute of Environment and Natural Resources (ENR).
"Support for launching the position came from the Excellence in Higher Education Endowment,"
says Nicole Ballenger, UW associate provost. "In keeping with the goals of the endowment
program, the position expands university research and outreach in disciplines related
to economic and social challenges facing Wyoming."
Smutko has worked since 1995 as an extension specialist in the Department of Agricultural
and Resource Economics at North Carolina State University in Raleigh and at the same
time served as North Carolina Natural Resources Leadership Institute director. His
research interests include natural resources and environmental economics, public decision-making
and negotiation.
"I am excited to join a faculty that shares my academic interests and aspirations
and to enter a work environment that promotes contributions to scholarship and practice
in the fields of collaborative decision-making and community development," Smutko
says.
He has worked with local governments, state and federal agencies and others for more
than a decade to effectively involve citizens in environmental policy issues.
"Steve has extensive experience and a worldwide reputation in collaborative decision-making
and community development," says Frank Galey, UW College of Agriculture dean. "The
university and Wyoming will greatly benefit from a UW program in collaborative process
and with Steve leading this effort."
Beverly Spicer of Rock Springs endowed the ENR program, which led to the establishment
of the Spicer Chair. The endowment was established in memory of her husband Eldon,
who advocated for stakeholder involvement and consensus building to resolve land use
issues.
The Spicer Chair, created to link teaching, outreach and research in collaborative
processes, will reach all disciplines in natural resource science and policy, says
Indy Burke, ENR director.
"Steve is familiar and experienced with the important issues facing the state and
the West," she says. "He not only will be a member of our team, but an integral part
of our campus community, representing the university and bringing effective collaborative
processes to the state's citizens and decision makers."
Smutko received his Ph.D. (1995) in economics with a specialization in resource economics
at Auburn University in Alabama, an M.S. (1982) in community and regional planning
at North Dakota State University, and a B.S. (1978) in outdoor recreation from Colorado
State University.
He has written numerous publications on conflict resolution and citizen participation
and has also taught in those areas. Smutko has directed many natural resource public
policy projects plus conferences, trainings and workshops on consensus building. He
has received several honors and awards in extension education.