Released: January 24, 2006

Nechols, Pierzynski Accept K-State Interim Positions

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State University professors James Nechols and Gary Pierzynski have been appointed interim heads of K-State’s Departments of Entomology and Agronomy, respectively.

Nechols, whose position became effective Dec. 18, 2005, takes over for Sonny Ramaswamy, who left K-State to become director of agricultural research programs and associate dean of agriculture at Purdue University.

Nechols earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Baldwin-Wallace College in Berea, Ohio, and master’s and doctoral degrees in entomology from Cornell University. For the past nine years, he has been a professor in K-State’s Department of Entomology.

“Long-term goals cannot be accomplished in a temporary position like this,” Nechols said. “But some things that I do want to accomplish include ensuring that departmental activities continue at a high level and that our research, extension, and teaching programs remain strong. Towards that end, it is important for me to help create opportunities for faculty, staff and students. Another important role is to help recruit a new department head.”

Pierzynski will fill in for David Mengel, who returned to faculty duties on Jan. 1.

Pierzynski earned a bachelor’s degree in crop and soil science and a master’s degree in environmental chemistry from Michigan State University; and the doctorate in soil chemistry from Ohio State University.

“As interim head, I don’t have grandiose plans for the department that would exceed the authority of my position,” Pierzynski said. “There are numerous issues that need attention, including hiring three new faculty members, organizing our centennial celebration and ensuring that we are taking the proper steps for assessing our student learning outcomes.”

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Samantha Vogts
sjvogts@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News