STARKVILLE -- Bob L. Karr, associate dean for Mississippi State University's College of Forest Resources and associate director for the Forest and Wildlife Research Center, has been named interim dean and interim director.

Vance Watson, vice president for the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine and George Verrall, the university's provost, announced the interim appointment effective June 9. This is the third time that Karr has served in an interim capacity in the college and center.

"Dr. Verrall and I have the utmost confidence in Dr. Karr and his ability to lead these two units," Watson said. "We pledge the university's full support as these units strive for a higher level of excellence."

Karr has been at MSU since 1976 when he began as an assistant professor in the Department of Forestry. He has served as associate dean/director for the College of Forest Resources/Forest and Wildlife Research Center for 11 years. A native of Stinnett, Texas, Karr received his bachelor's degree from McMurry University, his master's degree from Texas Tech University and doctoral degree from Texas A & M University.

The College of Forest Resources was founded in 1954 as the School of Forest Resources. It consists of educational programs in the Departments of Forestry, Forest Products and Wildlife and Fisheries.

The Forest and Wildlife Research Center, a separately funded unit in the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine, was authorized by the Mississippi Legislature with the passage of the Renewable Natural Resources Act of 1994. The Center's research expenditures totaled over $10.4 million for fiscal year 2002.