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Purdue Agriculture welcomes Randy Woodson as its new dean. Woodson, who has served as director of the Office of Agricultural Research Programs for the past six years, was named interim dean in June. His appointment follows a national search. (Photo by Tom Campbell) |
Randy Woodson, interim dean of agriculture and director of the Office of Agricultural Research Programs, has been named dean of Purdue Agriculture. Woodson takes over the post vacated in June when Victor Lechtenberg was tapped as vice provost for engagement.
“Agriculture at Purdue has a history rich in excellence, and Randy Woodson will enhance this tradition,” says Provost Sally Mason. “His scholarly depth and credentials as a leading scientist will keep Purdue at the forefront as one of the top agriculture schools in the nation.”
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. Woodson has overseen Purdue's agricultural research since 1998, including initiatives in biotechnology and genomics.
“Purdue Agriculture is moving in a positive direction, which is outlined by clear strategic goals,” Woodson says. “Our educational and research programs address the diversity of the food, agriculture and natural resource system. Our faculty, staff and students are working to find innovative solutions to some of our state's most challenging questions and are helping to grow our state's economy—specifically in rural areas.”
Under Woodson's leadership, agricultural research funding from external sources increased each year, from $25 million in 1998 to more than $40 million in 2004. He says external funding for research will continue to be a priority, as will securing funding sources to build new and improve existing research facilities.
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Purdue President Martin C. Jischke and Randy Woodson take part in activities at Purdue Day at the Indiana State Fair. (Photo by Tom Campbell) |
“We have a growing faculty, and our facility needs are different today than they were 10-15 years ago,” Woodson says. “We need to develop a timeline for new buildings and renovations that will sustain this growth.” As head of the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, he presided over the construction of a $7.2 million research and teaching plant growth facility.
Woodson has played an influential role in Indiana agriculture through service to various organizations and on state-appointed task forces. Additionally, he administered agriculture regulatory functions for the state, which are assigned to Purdue by the Indiana General Assembly.
An internationally renowned researcher, Woodson has received numerous honors for his work, including the Outstanding Career Research Award from the American Society for Horticulture Science and the Purdue Agriculture Research Award. He also was elected chair of the National Agricultural Biotechnology Council.
The Arkansas native earned a bachelor's degree in horticulture/chemistry from the University of Arkansas and a master's in horticulture and doctorate in horticulture/plant physiology from Cornell University. Prior to coming to Purdue, he was assistant professor of horticulture at Louisiana State University.
A national search will be conducted to fill the position of associate dean of Purdue Agriculture and director of the Office of Agricultural Research Programs.
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