College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Forestry

If you have been in any way involved in the Department of Forestry at MSU over the last 45 years, chances are, you know Randy Klevickas. And more than likely, you have a fond or funny story to share.

Randy’s career began in 1977 with his first role serving at the Dunbar Forest Experiment Station in the eastern portion of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. He served as a technician, and was “living the dream in the Soo,” where he and his wife purchased a rustic home, hunted, fished, and gardened. His next career move brought him down to the E. Lansing campus area, which felt like a drastic move to Randy. Though he now admits, it turned out to be a good thing.

Early in his career Randy got to work with Dr. Hanover, and many other researchers that have gone on to become world renowned, though he still describes himself as a “country bumpkin.” Randy recalls the amount of people that he has interacted within his small circle, some from around the world, and the amazing things they have gone on to do, sharing, “how rewarding is that?”

Randy shared that one of the best parts of his career, is the great people he’s able to work with. “Paul [Bloese] and I get along really well. We have our differences, and we know each other really well, and we are able to play off each other’s weakness and strengths, which is so important. The camaraderie among campus and statewide research station staff has been second to none.”

He also enjoys the variety that his position as Farm Manager at the Tree Research Center brings. “We do so many different things. None of our projects are so huge that they become repetitive and cumbersome. Not like if you work in a factory doing the same thing over and over, there are always new challenges,” he said.

Randy reflects on what has meant the most to him throughout his career at MSU: “interacting with students and the feedback I receive from them.” He describes a recent letter he received from the parents of a forestry student as a thank you to him, for touching their son’s life in such a positive way and the lifelong memories he will hold. “That means so much to me. That’s what has driven my career, the impact on students’ lives,” said Randy.

KJ Kettler, the Forester in Charge at the Kellogg Experiment Forest, describes Randy as a mentor since day one. “I have personally benefited from Randy's empathy concerning the well-being of others, specifically related to our professional challenges. Randy has provided guidance during challenging times and routinely checks-in and offers a helping hand,” said KJ.

After I last spoke to Randy about the Jack Breslin award, he offered this: “I would really like to emphasize how much my wife is a part of this. She is part of my success. She’s part of this place, and she cares for it, too.” Randy describes his wife Denise as the backbone of their marriage of 46 years. Several students over the years have described her as a second mom, serving as a strong, supportive role model over the years. “Don’t cross her, though,” joked Randy.

Randy is looking forward to spending more time with family, as his career is winding down.  He’s proud of his three adult children and enjoys watching his five grandchildren participate in 4-H, competitive cheer, and horse-riding activities.  Though he isn’t shying away from work at the TRC just yet, sharing “I still have a half dozen projects I really want to get on top of.”

When I asked Randy what advice he had for anyone looking to pursue forestry as a career he offered this: “Find out what your passion is and follow it! And it might not be traditional forestry that I used to think was only type of forestry. There are so many different career paths. It’s changed so much, now there’s so much you can do.”

Congratulations to Randy for winning the Jack Breslin Award, a distinguished staff award presented to those who routinely go above and beyond what is expected.