Purdue News
Purdue News
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June 21, 2004 Woodson named interim dean of Purdue AgricultureWEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - William "Randy" Woodson, associate dean of agriculture and director of the Office of Agricultural Research Programs, has been named interim dean of agriculture at Purdue University. Woodson's appointment is effective July 1. He assumes the post vacated by Victor Lechtenberg, who will be the University's new vice provost for engagement. A national search for a permanent agriculture dean begins immediately. "Randy Woodson is uniquely qualified to continue to move the School of Agriculture and Purdue Extension forward during the transition," said Provost Sally Mason. "He has helped formulate the school's strategic objectives, guided its research programs and worked with the state's agricultural commodity groups." Woodson, who has overseen Purdue's agricultural research since 1998, previously was head of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. "Dean Lechtenberg provided excellent leadership for Purdue and Indiana agriculture for more than two decades," Woodson said. "Purdue has one of the top agriculture schools in the nation, thanks to his direction. He leaves us in an excellent position to fulfill our mission. "Our goal will be to sustain the momentum and to ensure a smooth transition to the next dean of agriculture. The Purdue School of Agriculture serves the state of Indiana and the nation by providing first-class education, research and Extension programs. We help people accomplish their goals in many different ways." Woodson said research and Extension programs that promote Indiana's economic development remain a priority. "The people and processes that add value to Indiana's agricultural commodities and industries and strengthen rural economies will come from scientific innovation and education," he said. Woodson's service to the state includes serving on the boards of directors of the Indiana Crop Improvement Association and the Ag Alumni Seed Improvement Association; he is director of the Indiana Wine-Grape Council and a member of the Governor's Task Force on Tobacco Producers and Rural Community Impact Fund. Formerly, he was a member of the Governor's Task Force on Counter-Terrorism and Biosecurity and the Agriculture and Rural Development Task Force of the Indiana Agricultural Leadership Institute. Woodson joined the Purdue faculty in 1985. As a professor of horticulture, his research led to the development of molecular approaches to improve the storage and lifespan of horticultural products. His honors include the Purdue Agriculture Research Award, the American Society for Horticultural Science Outstanding Researcher Career Award and the B. Y. Morrison Medal from the United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service. He was also elected chair of the National Agricultural Biotechnology Council in 2001. With a bachelor's degree from the University of Arkansas, Woodson holds master's and doctoral degrees from Cornell University. Writer: Beth Forbes, 9765) 494-2722, forbes@purdue.edu Sources: Sally Mason, (765) 494-9709; sfmason@purdue.edu Randy Woodson, (765) 494-8362; woodson@purdue.edu Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722; Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu Note to Journalists: A photograph of Woodson is available online. Related Web sites: Related story:
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