Search for Dean of College of Ag, Vice Provost for Agriculture and Outreach Narrows to Four at Colorado State University

Four finalists have been named in the search for a new vice provost for agriculture and outreach and dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences at Colorado State University. On-campus interviews and public open forums have been scheduled for each of the candidates during late March and early April.

The four finalists are; Marc Johnson, dean of the College of Agriculture at Kansas State University; Sharron Quisenberry, dean, College of Agriculture, Montana State University; James Heird, current interim dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and vice provost for agriculture and outreach at Colorado State; and Daniel Bernardo, chair, Department of Agricultural Economics, Kansas State University.

"Agriculture is essential to the economy of Colorado and central to the mission of Colorado State University," said Dr. Lance Perryman, chairman of the search committee and dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State. "We have identified four outstanding candidates for this key leadership position."

The dates, times and locations for open forums are listed below. The 45-minute forums, open to the public, provide campus and area communities the opportunity to meet and present questions to each candidate.

  • Marc Johnson: Monday, March 31, 4:15-5 p.m., Room 102 Shepardson.
  • Sharron Quisenberry: Wednesday, April 2, 4:15-5 p.m., Room 207 Lory Student Center.
  • James Heird: Monday, April 7, 4:15-5 p.m., Room 102 Shepardson.
  • Daniel Bernardo: Wednesday, April 9, 4:15-5 p.m., Room 207 Lory Student Center.

The College of Agricultural Sciences at Colorado State is primarily responsible for education and research in animal sciences, soil sciences, crop sciences, horticulture, landscape architecture, bioagricultural sciences, pest management, and agricultural and resource economics, including strong programs in genetics, breeding and environmentally-friendly agricultural solutions. More than 1,400 students are enrolled in the college, which includes five departments. Outreach departments at Colorado State include Cooperative Extension and Agricultural Experiment Station.