With approximately 400 trees representing more than 100 species within its 65 acres, the campus of Shawnee State University has been formally recognized
and nationally accredited by ArbNet as a Level 2 arboretum.
The ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program is the only global initiative to officially recognize arboreta at various levels of development, capacity, and professionalism.
The Deal Arboretum at Shawnee State University is also now recognized as an accredited arboretum in the Morton Register of Arboreta, a database of the world’s arboreta and gardens dedicated to woody plants.
Our arboretum grants students and visitors to our campus access to the arboricultural diversity of the eastern deciduous forest, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems in the northern hemisphere.
Our in-house Tree Care Committee works year-round to support tree management, procure new specimens, and shape the landscape of our campus.
Through continued commitment to promoting, caring for, and encouraging learning about trees, Shawnee State University has been recognized by the National Arbor Day Foundation as a Tree Campus USA since 2016. This annual honor acknowledges two- and four-year accredited colleges and universities meeting five standards.
Four Tree Trails have been established on campus, highlighting trees of economic value, trees of significance to Appalachia, trees from around the world, and relics from geological history. Corresponding maps are available to the public on our website and can be accessed in real time as each tree is visited.
The arboretum is named after Professor Emeritus Dr. Robert (Bob) Deal, who guided the selection of tree species, their procurement, and their placement on campus while serving as a Professor of Biology at Shawnee State University for 29 years.
The arboretum is named after Professor Emeritus Dr. Robert (Bob) Deal, pictured hiking to Table Rocks in West Virginia with his wife and lifelong partner, Janet Deal.