Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Yancey Kerr is currently pursuing his Master of Forest Resources (MFR) in Forest Business at the University of Georgia through the Harley Langdale Jr. Center for Forest Business. After beginning the program in January 2026, Kerr focused on expanding his background in natural resources while developing a stronger understanding of finance and its connection to the forestry industry. Kerr originally earned his undergraduate degree in Natural Resource Management with a minor in business from Auburn University in 2025. However, his early interest in forestry, which formed through time on his family’s farm in Warren County North Carolina, pulled his personal interests to more of a forest business sector. Those early experiences helped develop his appreciation for forestry and ultimately influenced his academic and professional direction.
When considering graduate programs, the MFR in Forest Business program stood out to Kerr because of its unique combination of forestry and business education. Through the Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources and the Terry College of Business, students can develop expertise across both fields. “I knew I wanted to do something with forestry, but I also wanted to dive deeper into finance and how those two areas intersect,” Kerr shares. “There is no better opportunity for someone who wants to combine those two areas than the MFR program.” The program’s strong alumni network was another major factor in his decision to attend UGA.
During his time in the program so far, one of Kerr’s most memorable experiences has been attending the Harley Langdale Center for Forest Business Open House. The event provided an opportunity to hear from three recent alumni working across different sectors of the forestry industry. They shared advice on navigating graduate school, the job search, and the transition into becoming a young professional. “It was very valuable to hear from folks that were in our shoes just a few years ago,” Kerr explains. The opportunity to connect with alumni and learn from their recent experiences demonstrated the value of the professional network surrounding Warnell and the MFR program.
Looking toward the future, Kerr hopes to pursue a career at the intersection of finance and forestry. After gaining experience on the debt side of the industry this past summer during his internship with MetLife Investment Management, he has been able to further explore how financial principles can be applied within the forestry sector while learning from several Warnell alumni along the way.
For future students considering the MFR program, Kerr emphasizes the importance of taking advantage of the people and opportunities available to them. “This program gives you access to some of the smartest and most successful people in the forestry space,” Kerr shares. “Use this opportunity to reach out, get coffee, or grab lunch with as many people as you can.” He also encourages students to build relationships with their professors, explaining that they genuinely want students to succeed and that the opportunity to spend time learning from them is invaluable.
By combining his personal connection to forestry with a growing interest in finance, Kerr is using the MFR program to develop the knowledge, relationships, and professional experience needed to build a successful career within the forest business sector.
