The University of Minnesota has appointed Beverly Durgan, current dean and director of the University of Minnesota Extension Service, to also serve as the director of the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station.
"Having one person serve as the director for both the Extension Service and the Experiment Station ensures that the research and outreach of these university organizations is aligned and continues to be connected with the needs of Minnesota communities," explained Robert Jones, senior vice president for system administration.
Before being appointed dean and director of Extension in September 2005, Durgan held several administrative positions at the university, including chief fiscal officer and associate dean for the College of Agricultural, Food and Environmental Sciences.
Durgan continues to serve as a state Extension faculty member in the department of agronomy and plant genetics.
"I know first hand the important contributions that both Extension and the Experiment Station make to Minnesota," Durgan said. "This connection between Extension and the Experiment Station enables us to continue to plan for the needs of the state. In addition, we will be better able to leverage the resources we have to meet the needs of agriculture, youth, families, communities and the environment through university research and outreach education."
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The Experiment Station receives state and federal funding to support research to meet Minnesota's economic, social and environmental needs. It funds faculty research in several colleges and at Research and Outreach Centers in agriculture, natural resources, human nutrition, and family and community development.
Its research goals are closely aligned with Extension's programs that make a difference for food and agriculture, youth, families, communities and the environment.
