The University introduced the nation’s first stand-alone academic school of ecology Sunday.

But before it opened, The Eugene P. Odum School of Ecology was ranked among the top colleges of ecology in the nation by the National Resource Council.

With a strong faculty and international stature, the school has lived up to the legacy of its namesake – the late pioneering University professor who was also known as the “father of modern ecology.”

John L. Gittleman, the former director of the Institute for Ecology, will serve as the dean of the new school.

He will oversee the facility which boasts 17 tenured faculty members, six non-tenure-track faculty, four faculty with joint appointments in other units and seven adjunct faculty members.

Gittleman said he intends to continue on the trail that Odum blazed by strengthening and expanding the college in areas such as community and evolutionary and ecosystem studies.

University President Michael Adams said Gittleman and his staff will continue to focus on pressing environmental issues while maintaining rank as one of the top five universities in ecological sciences.

The school, which remains in its preexisting building, will offer courses for graduate and undergraduate degrees in ecology. It will provide courses for other schools and colleges as well.

By sharing both expertise and resources, Gittleman and his staff plan to continue encouraging collaboration between the school of ecology and other colleges within the University.