Alumni Profiles

Phil R. Krueger

Hometown: Lincoln, Illinois

Graduation Information

Bachelors: Bachelor of Arts in Forest Management - 1973

Work Information

Company: USDA - United States Forest Service
Years Worked: 35

How did you obtain your job?

Getting my foot into the door of the U. S. Forest Service by working as a summer forestry technician between my junior and senior years of college during 1972. Then working as a technician in 1973 upon graduation until I could work into a forester position.

What do you enjoy most about your position?

I enjoy the variety of tasks that each day may include. I also cherish the opportunity to work with alumni and friends of the college and department. It's wonderful to share a passion for the University of Illinois and College of ACES.

What advice can you provide current students seeking a career in this field?

Work in related fields as much as you can, even if you have to take jobs that may be considered beneath your education. Experience is key.

Achievements

Received training and certification while with the U. S. Forest Service as silviculturist. I now work out of the Forest Supervisor's Office of the Mark Twain National Forest in Missouri, at Rolla Missouri. My duties now are to pass on knowledge about timber sales preparation.

College of ACES

What was your favorite memory as a student in the College of ACES?

Forestry Summer camp at Blackduck Minnesota.

What was your favorite ACES class and why?

Any of the Forest management courses. They were the ones that really prepared me for much of my career.

How do you feel the College of ACES prepared you for your future?

By giving a broad, general knowledge of Forest Management.

What advice would you give current students while a student in the College of ACES?

Have as much fun as possible but not enough to adversly affect your grades.

University of Illinois

Why did you choose to come to the University of Illinois and College of ACES?

Close to home (Lincoln, Illinois) and having curriculum in Forestry.

What is your favorite memory on campus?

The quad in spring and fall would be my favorite when the leaves are falling from the trees or budding out in the spring. The most memorable was was the spring of 1970 prior to the Kent State massacre when I had to walk over Liberal Arts students to get to my agriculture classes in the same buildings, and the invasion of the National Guard to keep the peace.

What activities were you involved in on campus?

Illini Foresters Club