If you see someone new walking the halls of the CFAES campuses, say hello! Our new vice president for agricultural administration and dean, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, started Nov. 1.
An entomologist by training, Bruce McPheron comes to CFAES from The Pennsylvania State University, where he served as dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences.
He credits retiring dean and VP Bobby Moser for the leadership position the college enjoys. "The best view of the future comes from the shoulders of the people who have gone before you. We have a firm footing and a clear view of the future," McPheron said.
McPheron's vision focuses squarely on the future, aimed toward strengthening the college experience to produce career-ready graduates. "We are a university, and our most important product is our students, who will leave here not only to find and fill jobs, but to take a leadership role in creating a new future," McPheron said.
That teaching mission extends beyond the classroom to encompass vibrant Extension educational programs, informed by the latest research.
"Whether we are educating the next generation on campus, or solving a problem on a farm, in a factory, or in a community, we rely on world-class research," he said.
'Track record of creativity, innovation'
McPheron, an Ohio State alumnus and former county Extension educator, was welcomed by Ohio State President E. Gordon Gee. "He brings a global view and worldwide experience back to Ohio to lead one of Ohio State's most important educational programs," Gee said. "I am delighted that we have been fortunate enough to attract him back home."
MORE RELATED TO THIS STORY:
Ohio State names new VP for agricultural administration
John C. "Jack" Fisher, executive vice president, Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, and vice chairman of Ohio State's Board of Trustees, said McPheron brings strong qualifications to the position.
"He has accepted an important role at a time of great challenge and opportunity for the university and college. Traditional funding sources are diminishing as new funding models are only beginning to develop," Fisher said. "Social and environmental demands must be balanced with the need to economically feed the world. Bruce's track record of creativity and innovation will serve him well as he positions the college for future successes."
Watch Dean McPheron's welcome message to students here (1:04) and to faculty and staff here (1:02).