Dr. Marcus Pollard of Covington, Ga. Named 2024 Forestry Teacher of the Year

Every year the Georgia Forestry Foundation (GFF), in partnership with Huber Engineered Woods, recognizes a classroom educator who has demonstrated exceptional dedication in teaching students about the importance of Georgia’s forests to our environment, economy, and heritage. This year we are proud to recognize Dr. Marcus Pollard, of the Newton College and Career Academy, Covington, Ga., as the 2024 Georgia Forestry Teacher of the Year.   

“I’m honored to be recognized by the Georgia Forestry Foundation with this award,” stated Forestry Teacher of the Year, Dr. Marcus Pollard. “It’s a great example of how industry can truly support education efforts in the classroom and beyond. Georgia Forestry has set the standard for partnerships between education and industry.” 

Dr. Pollard is a 16-year veteran of forestry education and was named 2024 Georgia Forestry Teacher of the Year for his outstanding ability to inspire and educate students on the importance of the forestry industry.  

“From utilization of an onsite sawmill and an arboretum, his innovative approach and variety of teaching methods goes beyond the traditional classroom setting,” stated Matt Hestad, Senior Vice President of the Georgia Forestry Association and Foundation. “His dedication to making forestry accessible and engaging to students is invaluable to the future of Georgia’s 22 million acres of privately owned working forests.” 

In addition to teaching Forest Science and Wildlife Management, serving as an advisor to the Newton County Young Farmers association, and President for Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College’s Alumni Association, Dr. Marcus Pollard has also recently become a Board Member of the City of Covington Tree Board. His academic career stems from ABAC and branches out to include Tennessee Technological University, Lipscomb University, the University of Georgia, and Murray State University, where he received a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree. Today, his mission continues to create positive experiences between students and Georgia’s working forests. By using experiential learning to promote critical thinking and curiosity, Dr. Pollard has been able to bring industry practices like sawmill management and tree identification directly into the classroom. He also uses these opportunities to introduce students to the many career opportunities in the industry. 

“Dr. Pollard is a visionary when it comes to forestry education” stated Chad Walker, CEO and Principal at Newton College & Career Academy. “He is really a wealth of knowledge and considers the whole process. If students are struggling in other courses, such as math, they’ll focus on acreage or plotting fields to help build the connection and grow the whole student. Other teachers seek out his knowledge and Dr. Pollard is always willing to make things possible. That is the value that he brings, and this recognition helps give exposure to all the different avenues that can be taken in forestry education.” 

The Forestry Teacher of the Year award highlights the critical work being done by educators across the state to foster a deeper understanding of forestry among students. This award, sponsored by Huber Engineered Woods, recognizes the accomplishments of educators who most effectively communicate the significance of and our connection to Georgia’s working forests.  

“Our company purpose is improving lives through sustainable solutions that we will be glad to tell our grandchildren about,” stated John Mullis, wood procurement manager with Huber. “Forestry supports the sustainable solutions piece and educators such as Dr. Pollard are making an impact for generations to come one student at a time. We are honored to have been able to sponsor the Georgia Forestry Teacher of the Year award this year and thankful for the opportunity to participate.” 

Dr. Marcus Pollard was recognized at the 2024 Georgia Forestry Association Conference and Expo, which was held August 9-11 in Savannah, Ga. He was celebrated for his contributions to forestry education and his role in shaping the future of forestry in Georgia.  The success of our industry is rooted in teachers, like Dr. Pollard, planting the seeds of knowledge and strengthening the connection between students and Georgia’s working forests. 

Click here to learn more about the Georgia Forestry Teacher of the Year nomination and application process.