Hocking College appoints new Dean of Natural Resources & Public Safety

Nelsonville, Ohio, July 17, 2023) - Hocking College announces the promotion of Robert Weiler to Dean of Natural Resources & Public Safety. With his experience and dedication to excellence, Weiler is poised to lead the department to new academic and professional success heights.

As Dean of Natural Resources & Public Safety, Weiler will oversee a diverse range of programs and disciplines, including wildlife Management, Fish Management, Law Enforcement, and Land Emergency Services. In this position, he will play a pivotal role in shaping the education and career paths of students interested in making a difference in these fields.

"We are thrilled to have Robert Weiler take on the Dean of Natural Resources & Public Safety role," said Dr. Betty Young, President of Hocking College. "His deep understanding of the natural resources field, combined with his dedication to student success and community engagement, will undoubtedly propel our programs to new levels of excellence. We are confident that his leadership will inspire and empower our students to make a positive impact in their chosen careers."

Weiler brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new position. Prior to this appointment, he served as Hocking College's Enrollment Manager, Director of Enrollment Management, and most recently, Interim Dean of Natural Resources and Public Safety.

Throughout Weiler’s career, he has worked for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources as a Conservation Worker, Senior Wildlife Technician and Fisheries Technician. In addition, he shared his passion for the outdoors with troubled youth and adolescents with a private non-profit organization called Pressley Ridge. Weiler served as the Program Supervisor at a wilderness residential program and later as Director of Talent Acquisition for the organization

As the new Dean of Natural Resources & Public Services, Weiler aims to foster an inclusive and collaborative environment that encourages students and faculty to push the boundaries of knowledge, embrace innovation, and develop sustainable solutions to address the challenges facing our natural resources.

“In this new role, I find great value in supporting student success from a different vantage point,” said Weiler.” I look forward to influencing decisions that ensure our students have all the support necessary to excel while with us, graduate and then launch into successful careers or transfers.”

Weiler’s academic background includes an associate’s degree in Wildlife Management from Hocking College, a bachelor's in Wildlife Management from the University of Idaho and a master’s in Business Administration from Ohio University.

Weiler was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. He lives near Tuppers Plains, Ohio, with his wife Denise of 19 years and their two children, Janiya and Robby.