Fernandez appointed Purdue Ag academic programs director
J. Marcos Fernandez
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – J. Marcos Fernandez, a professor and associate dean at Pennsylvania State University's College of Agricultural Sciences since 2005, has been appointed associate dean and director of academic programs for Purdue University’s College of Agriculture, effective July 1.
The appointment was announced Monday (March 14) by Jay Akridge, Glenn W. Sample Dean of Purdue Agriculture.
"I am very enthusiastic about Marcos joining our college," Akridge said. "I am convinced the leadership experience he brings to this position will help the college move our academic programs forward in an important way."
Fernandez will oversee all academic programs in the college including curricula, instruction, recruitment and admissions, student services, scholarships, career services, student leadership development and faculty development. He will be involved in strategic planning, recommend allocation of academic resources and be the primary liaison with the university regarding academic program issues.
Fernandez said he is looking forward to helping to develop students through Purdue Agriculture's educational programming.
"Purdue Agriculture has a long and well-deserved reputation of educating and preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders," he said.
At Penn State, Fernandez supports faculty and staff in teaching and advising, coordinates student recruitment and retention programs, leads curricular revitalization efforts, enhances globalization of teaching and learning activities, and administers and expands the college's scholarship programs.
Before his work at Penn State, Fernandez was assistant professor, associate professor and professor at Louisiana State University’s Department of Animal Sciences; assistant research professor at Langston University in Oklahoma; and a research and teaching assistant at North Carolina State University and the University of Tennessee.
Fernandez' research has focused on metabolism and nutrition in livestock species, including cattle, sheep and goats.
Fernandez has taught several introductory and advanced agriculture and animal science courses and has been recognized with numerous teaching awards and honors. He has been active in professional organizations, university committees and governmental panels.
Fernandez received a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Illinois State University in 1980, a master’s degree in animal science from Tennessee in 1983 and a doctoral degree in animal science from North Carolina State in 1987.
John Graveel, an assistant Purdue Agriculture dean since 2008, has been serving as interim associate dean and acting director of academic programs since A. Dale Whittaker became the university's vice provost for undergraduate academic affairs last July.
"I want to express my deepest appreciation to Dr. John Graveel, who has been great as interim associate dean and director of academic programs," Akridge said. "He has been a tireless advocate for the office and for our students."
Writer: Keith Robinson, 765-494-2722, robins89@purdue.edu
Source: Jay Akridge, 765-494-8391, akridge@purdue.edu
J. Marcos Fernandez, 814-865-7521, jmf28@psu.edu
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Keith Robinson, robins89@purdue.edu
Agriculture News Page
Related website: