Marshall S. White of Blacksburg, professor of wood science and forest products as well as Extension specialist in the College of Natural Resources at Virginia Tech, was conferred the "professor emeritus" title by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors during the board's quarterly meeting June 4.

The title of emeritus may be conferred on retired professors and associate professors, administrative officers, librarians, and exceptional staff members who have given exemplary service to the university and who are specially recommended to the board of visitors by Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board of visitors receive an emeritus certificate from the university.

A member of the Virginia Tech community since 1975, White was director of the William H. Sardo Jr. Pallet and Container Laboratory from 1980 to 2007. He brought world-wide acclaim to Virginia Tech and the College of Natural Resources as the world leader in pallet and container research and service to the industry. He also helped establish the Center for Unit Load Design, serving as founding director from 1996 to 2007. White co-authored the development of the Pallet Design System, the leading engineering software platform for the pallet and container industry.

In the classroom, White established the undergraduate degree program and minor in packing science. He received his bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University and a master’s degree and Ph.D. from Virginia Tech.

The College of Natural Resources at Virginia Tech consistently ranks among the top five programs of its kind in the nation. Faculty members stress both the technical and human elements of natural resources and instill in students a sense of stewardship and land-use ethics. Areas of studies include environmental resource management, fisheries and wildlife sciences, forestry, geospatial and environmental analysis, natural resource recreation, urban forestry, wood science and forest products, geography, and international development. Virginia Tech, the most comprehensive university in Virginia, is dedicated to quality, innovation, and results to the commonwealth, the nation, and the world.

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