Dr. Rico Gazal, Professor of Forestry at Glenville State University, has been named a 2025 West Virginia Professor of the Year finalist.

Gazal has been a faculty member at Glenville State University since 2005, advancing teaching and research in forest ecology, plant physiology, invasive species, hydrology and spatial analysis. He has developed and modernized numerous courses, including Drone Technology, GIS Applications, Forest Measurements and the GIS Certificate Program, integrating hands-on, field-based instruction using ArcGIS Pro, GPS data collectors and industry-standard technologies.

As a leader in the Department of Land Resources, Gazal has chaired the department and served on several campus committees. He has coordinated seminars that connect students, faculty and professional experts. He has published in peer-reviewed journals, authored national STEM education modules for NASA GLOBE and NSF ESSEA, and served as PI or Co-PI on grants from USDA, NASA, EQT Foundation, Weyerhaeuser and WV HEPC, securing significant funding to support student research, equipment and STEM outreach.

As former Department Chair and Global WV Academic Coordinator, Gazal led international initiatives, establishing formal partnerships with universities in the Philippines and Malaysia and pioneering GSU’s Study Abroad and COIL programs. Since 2016, he and his students have participated in field-based tropical ecology research in Japan and the Philippines, advancing GSU’s mission of global engagement and applied environmental education.

Glenville State University President Dr. Mark A. Manchin praised Gazal’s selection: “Dr. Gazal is an outstanding faculty member who consistently goes above and beyond to enrich the lives of the students he works with every day. His commitment to learning is evident in the summer internship programs he leads, where students engage in hands-on work within the unique landscapes and makeup of the Philippines. He strives to meet student needs without compromising academic standards, with many of Dr. Gazal’s former students continue to speak highly of his mentorship long after completing his courses. The Pioneer family joins me in congratulating Dr. Gazal on this well-deserved recognition.”

Presented by the Faculty Merit Foundation of West Virginia, the Professor of the Year Award recognizes an outstanding faculty member each year from a West Virginia college or university. Established in 1984, the Foundation honors innovation and creativity among faculty members at both public and private institutions. The winner receives a $10,000 cash award.