AUBURN, Ala. – Luke Troutman, a 2022 graduate of Cullman High School, has been selected to participate in Auburn University’s Forest, Environment and Wildlife Leadership (FEWL) Academy beginning in January 2025.
Acceptance to the FEWL Academy is very competitive with approximately 12 students or fewer selected annually. This program gives students firsthand experience in governmental affairs and leadership. In addition to classroom lectures, students will travel to Washington, D.C. and Montgomery to engage with private industry executives, policy makers, organizations and agencies.
The FEWL Academy was established in 2019 with the goal of preparing and developing undergraduate students for future careers in problem solving and policymaking as it relates to the stewardship and use of natural resources. The program, which has proven to be of tremendous value to students, is led by Emmett F. Thompson Dean Janaki R.R. Alavalapati and Alabama Extension Specialist and Harry E. Murphy Associate Professor Adam Maggard.
“The academy provides students with experiential learning opportunities to enhance their personal development and leadership abilities. During visits to Montgomery and Washington, D.C., each cohort interfaces with government officials, CEOs and policymakers to observe diverse perspectives and leadership styles, and to become more aware of the complexity and wide range of issues impacting natural resources and how we manage them,” said Maggard.
Troutman is currently a junior at Auburn University majoring in Geospatial and Environmental Informatics (GSEI). He serves on the Student Government Association as senator for the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment and is president of the College Republicans.
