Penn State Forms New Dean’s Council to Drive Ag Innovation

By Blake Jackson

Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has established a new Dean’s Leadership Council to help guide the future of agricultural education, research and extension. The council brings together a distinguished group of 17 leaders whose diverse backgrounds will support strategic planning and innovation across the college.

Dean Troy Ott noted that council members recently met on campus for the first time, where they participated in discussions and toured key research facilities. Representing multigenerational farming operations, government agencies, academic institutions, scientific research, investment firms and entrepreneurial ventures, the members share deep ties to Penn State and a commitment to strengthening the college.

“They will shape the long-term vision, guide key leadership decisions, balance the tripartite mission, and advance philanthropic initiatives across teaching, research and extension,” Ott said. “Members will play a vital role in helping us move from good to great - providing candid guidance, engaging with our community and their networks, and supporting initiatives that will have a lasting impact in Pennsylvania and beyond.”

Ott expressed his appreciation for the council’s dedication, adding, “Each of these individuals has senior leadership experience and knows how to make tough decisions in the face of competing priorities and limited resources. Each will challenge me to develop a more agile, innovative and impactful college.”

Ott emphasized that the group’s efforts build on the work of the Penn State Ag Council, an advisory body representing agricultural organizations and stakeholders statewide. While the Ag Council brings industry perspectives to the forefront, the new leadership council extends those insights through strategic planning and long-term visioning.

“Both groups are essential to fulfilling the mission of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Penn State Extension, each contributing in complementary ways,” Ott said.

Click here to view the list of Dean’s Leadership Council members, each serving a three-year term.

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