Patrick Keyser
Associate Professor

Patrick Keyser joined the department in July 2006 as an Associate Professor and Coordinator for the newly formed Center for Native Grasslands Management.  The Center will provide regional and national leadership in the development of comprehensive research and outreach programs focused on a broad range of issues pertinent to the management of native grasslands.

Dr. Keyser has initiated work on the integration of forage production, biofuels, and wildlife habitat with a team of UT researchers.  He is also working on development of management systems for the restoration of oak savannahs in the region.

Prior to coming to UT, Dr. Keyser worked within forest industry where he lead an innovative research program based at the 8,400-acre MeadWestvaco Wildlife and Ecosystem Research Forest.  The recipient of several national awards during that time, the research program focused on the integration of actively managed forests with wildlife conservation. 

Dr. Keyser earned his BS in Forestry in 1982 from Virginia Tech and his MS in Wildlife from Louisiana State University in 1984.  He worked for the Missouri Department of Conservation and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources before returning home to Virginia in 1989 to work for the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF).  In 1999 he joined Westvaco Corporation (to become MeadWestvaco through a 2002 merger). In 2001 he completed his doctorate at Clemson University.

Contact Information

Patrick Keyser
274 Ellington Plant Sciences Bldg
865-974-0644
Email: pkeyser@utk.edu