Associate Dean from Purdue Named Dean of Colorado State’s College of Applied Human Sciences

An associate dean at Purdue University was named today as the new dean for Colorado State University’s College of Applied Human Sciences beginning Aug. 1.

April Mason, associate dean for discovery and engagement in the School of Consumer and Family Sciences and the assistant director of the Cooperative Extension Service at Purdue University will replace Nancy Hartley, who has served as the dean of the college for more than 10 years.

Mason has been at Purdue University since 1984, beginning as an assistant professor of foods and nutrition and extension specialist. In 1993, she worked in the laboratory of biochemistry at the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute at the National Institutes of Health. Mason was appointed as associate dean for extension in the School of Consumer and Family Sciences in 1996. She has served as associate dean of discovery and engagement since Aug. 2002.

"April Mason is the kind of national leader we had hoped to find to serve as the new dean of Colorado State’s College of Applied Human Sciences, which ranks among the top 10 in the nation for two of its programs," said President Larry Penley. "Her extensive experience at Purdue, a land grant institution, will further elevate the college’s national stature."

"Dr. Mason’s great understanding of the land grant mission, from her national academic reputation, ground breaking research in food science and nutrition and leadership in Purdue’s outreach efforts, to her work in diversity awareness, will have a strong, positive impact on the growth and direction of the College of Applied Human Sciences at Colorado State," said Provost Peter Nicholls.

Mason’s research has focused on the availability of key nutrients from plant based food products, which provide critical calories and essential nutrients to a large proportion of the world’s population. Determination of nutrient availability and what factors can inhibit or promote that availability is important in helping to provide adequate nutrition to millions of people worldwide. This year she has been a leader in a $1.3 million research project for the Indiana Family Nutrition Project.

"I am looking forward to pursuing many exciting opportunities I see in the College of Applied Human Sciences," said Mason.  "I will have the many valued colleagues of the college with whom to work.  The diversity contained in the college places it in a very unique position to have faculty and staff conduct valuable research, provide exceptional learning opportunities and reach out to communities to make important impact."

Mason was recently awarded the State International Facilitation Award for an International Study Tour in Ireland by Epsilon Sigma Phi, the national cooperative extension professional organization.

Mason is a member of the Sigma Xi, the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Institute of Food Technologists and the American Society for Nutrition Sciences.

Mason attended the Overseas School of Rome; she received her bachelor’s in biology from Mount Union College, master’s in plant physiology and doctorate in foods and nutrition from Purdue University.

The College of Applied Human Sciences at Colorado State University includes the Departments of Construction Management, Design and Merchandising, Food Science and Human Nutrition, Health and Exercise Science, Human Development and Family Studies, Occupational Therapy, the School of Education, the School of Social Work and the College of Applied Human Sciences Interdisciplinary Studies.

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