By Kristine King

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 the forestry and wildlife program leader.

During the summer of 1988, while still an undergraduate, Covell was a wildlife technician at the Department of Natural Resources. He then spent time at the University of Wisconsin, earning his masters in wildlife ecology and working as a wildlife outreach specialist at the Cooperative Extension Service.

He has held several positions at UNH since 2001 including assistant wildlife specialist and associate professor for Cooperative Extension. Now he is starting a new position and facing new challenges as the extension forestry and wildlife program leader.

"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. Although new to the position, Covell is no stranger to Durham, having previously worked 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," he said. "When I was an undergraduate here, I knew it was a great place to work."

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 said.

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 previously much of his work was done outside, 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."

When asked what he likes about working at UNH, Covell said, "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.”

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