New Director of Colorado State University Extension Takes Office

Note to Editors: A downloadable photograph of Deborah Young is available by visiting http://newsinfo.colostate.edu/ and clicking on the header of this release.

Colorado State University Extension welcomes Deborah Young as its next director. Her appointment begins Aug. 1.

Young comes to Colorado State Extension from the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, where she served as associate director since 1997. She has also served from 1990 to 1997 as the county extension director for Yavapai County, Ariz. She earned doctoral and master’s degrees in plant pathology from UA in 1979 and 1982, respectively.

"I believe Colorado State University has the potential to reach the people of the state in not only Extension’s traditional strengths, but through new and innovative outreach programs," Young said. "Colorado State Extension can reach through its county offices to provide educational opportunities at all levels, and Coloradans can reach back to the university through those same offices."

Lou Swanson, Vice Provost for Outreach and Strategic Partnerships at Colorado State, praised Young’s extensive experience in supporting and promoting sustainable agriculture. Young, author of numerous articles, also has made several presentations on sustainable agriculture while working in Arizona.

"Dr. Young has been a county agent, a strong advocate for Arizona Extension and an associate director," Swanson said "Her strong administrative experience will serve us well. I feel she will communicate well with all of us associated with Colorado State Extension, our county and state stakeholders and supporters and with a broad spectrum of on-campus faculty and administrators."

Colorado State University Extension is a local community connection for university research, information, education, expertise and youth programs. Colorado State Extension delivers the latest research and local education designed to contribute to the pressing issues facing Coloradans living in both urban and rural communities. These topics include natural resource management, living well through raising kids, eating right and spending smart, gardening and commercial horticulture, the latest agricultural production technologies and community development.

Extension 4-H and youth development programs reach more than 100,000 young Coloradans annually, more than half in urban communities. Colorado State University’s 59 Extension offices provide a Front Door to university expertise for all Colorado citizens on the job, at home and in their communities.

For more information, visit www.ext.colostate.edu.

-30-