Photo by Christina VanHorn

For Darrel Covell, UNH has been an anchor for his educational and professional career. After working away from campus, he has swung back to UNH Cooperative Extension as Extension Forestry and Wildlife Program Leader.

While still an undergraduate during the summer of 1988 Covell was a Wildlife Technician at the UNH Department of Natural Resources. He then spent time at the University of Wisconsin working towards his Masters in Wildlife Ecology and working as a Wildlife Outreach Specialist at the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension Service. He has held several positions here at UNH Extension since 2001 including Assistant Extension Wildlife Specialist, and Associate Extension Professor and Specialist, Wildlife. Now he is starting a new position and facing new challenges of being the Extension Forestry and Wildlife Program Leader.

Covell is just a small part of the Cooperative Extension Forestry and Wildlife Program. Cooperative Extension provides New Hampshire residents with research-based information and education, enhancing their ability to make informed decisions that strengthen youth, families and communities, sustain natural resources, and improve the economy. Public, private and community resources are centered on New Hampshire's natural resources, families, communities and youth. There are five programs altogether including the Forestry and Wildlife Program.

"Cooperation Extension is the outreach arm of the university. We extend the research of the university to the people of the state," Covell said.

Covell handles leadership for creating the program's vision, securing and managing human and fiscal resources.

"My main duties are directing program development, marketing, evaluating employees and maintaining relationships with our partners to achieve the mission of the program," he said.

He also has the responsibility to apply research based and valid experienced based knowledge and information from UNH, the USDA Forest Service and other sources of reputable research.

Juggling such a diverse program, Covell practices good people and communication skills. His work with grants and budgets also requires him to be financially savvy. Though new to the position, Covell is no stranger to Extension having worked for seven years as the Wildlife Outreach Specialist for the University of Wisconsin Cooperative Extension and nearly six years for UNH Cooperative Extension.

Covell always wanted to get back to New Hampshire and while he enjoyed the work he did elsewhere, he knew his calling was in Extension.

"When I left the state I was always looking to get back to New Hampshire. I really like reaching out to the people of the state."

Covell was turned on to UNH during his time at UNH as a student.

"When I was an undergraduate here, I knew it was a great place to work."

Though he is relatively new at his position as program leader he does not go into it blind. Bob Edmonds, the previous program leader was a mentor to Covell.

"Bob Edmonds has had the biggest impact on me. I learned a lot about values and the value of relationships from him, which will be very important in my career."

Covell also enjoys the nature aspect of his job and that the work he does benefits others.

"The most satisfying part of my job is working with a great staff to improve our forests and wildlife habitat for the benefit of all," he said.

One thing Covell will have to adjust to is being inside more. Where he spent quite a bit of his time outside in his previous position, he now spends most of his time behind a desk.

"I wish it was the other way around," said Covell. "But it will be fine. I'll get used to it."

Still, Covell can already see the perks of being program leader; though he is a little disappointed he doesn't have an upper level parking spot. Parking is not on the top of his list on why he is here at UNH.

When asked what he likes about working at UNH, Covell responded, "Well, it's not the parking! I love the people I work with and the ability to work one-on-one with colleagues and clientele on an informal basis. I like having the ability to be self-motivated and independent."

Rather than be pigeonholed into certain tasks, Covell said, he has the ability to choose what needs to be done.

"I enjoy the freedom that I have. You are not told what to do. You have the ability to look at the calendar and decide what is most important."

When not at work, the Pittsburg, New Hampshire native enjoys doing outside activities like fishing and bird watching. He also spends time playing with his three boys.