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Weekly UpdatesBruce A. McPheron will begin his new job as the dean of Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences on July 1, 2009. he succeeds Robert D. Steele, who is stepping down after 12 years to return full-time to the college's faculty as a professor in the Department of Food Science.
"Bruce is an outstanding scholar and teacher with proven leadership skills and is an excellent choice for the position," said Executive Vice President and Provost Rod Erickson. "His deep knowledge of Penn State and various land-grant universities gives him an invaluable understanding of the great potential of this college."
McPheron earned a bachelor of science degree in entomology at The Ohio State University, and a master's degree in biology and doctoral degree in entomology, both at the University of Illinois. He began his teaching career at Penn State in 1988 as assistant professor of entomology, and became associate professor in 1994 and professor in 2000. In 2002 he was named to his current position as associate dean and director of the agricultural experiment station.
McPheron has said the need for new knowledge in agriculture has never been greater; that it is nearly impossible to not find issues related to food, fiber or fuel systems in the headlines each day.
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"This public awareness provides an exciting backdrop for the work we do in the College of Agricultural Sciences, whether it is the discovery of new knowledge through research or the dissemination of that knowledge through our diverse resident education or our highly valued Cooperative Extension programs," McPheron said. "The College is poised to lead in the development and implementation of science-based solutions to many pressing societal problems, from safe and nutritious foods to alternative energy to healthy and vibrant communities. We will continue to be student-centered and attentive to our public stakeholders. Our goal is to lead the way to an economically and environmentally sustainable future."
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