Mark Kuzila joined UNL in 1975. He has served as director of the School of Natural Resources, director of the Conservation and Survey Division, and professor of soil science whose research involves the study of soil genesis and morphology.
Kuzila has been involved in many workshops and presentations on soils and the application of soils information for many uses, including natural resource management, home site evaluation and on-site wastewater treatment.
He is also the author of numerous soil maps, including a 1:1,000,000-scale general soil map of Nebraska.
Kuzila said that the formation of SNR and the merging of CSD into SNR is the most notable change that he's witnessed during his time at the university.
Additionally, the opportunity to work with "the best soils in the world" and to share that work with students and the public is one of his favorite memories.
"I communicated my passion for our soils to all who would listen," he said.
Kuzila recalled several technological changes that took place throughout his tenure.
"There was typewriter to word processor to computer," he said. "Now there are very few letters, it's all mostly email. And there are no more overhead and slide projectors."
Kuzila has been granted emeritus status. He will not be retaining an office in Hardin Hall. His post-retirement plans are simple and straightforward.
"I plan to unwind," he said. "There's no schedule. Ideal retirement is whatever we make it."
— Mekita Rivas, Natural Resources