After a months-long national search, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Dean Search Committee tapped Richard Linton to replace former CALS Dean Johnny Wynne .
Linton is currently chairman of the Food Science and Technology Department at The Ohio State University. Prior to that, he worked with Chancellor Randy Woodson at Perdue University.
Wynne , an N.C. State graduate and researcher, retired July 1 after seven years as dean of the program.
Jonathon Smith, a senior in agricultural education and undergraduate student representative on the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Dean Search Committee, said he was excited about the selection.
“Linton is coming to CALS with a fresh perspective on the goals we should possess to strengthen the fields of agriculture and life sciences,” Smith wrote. “CALS and N.C. State have a lot of important objectives to complete in the years to come in order to ensure that the world has an adequate food supply, clean water, a safe environment, and the research and extension systems in place to support and promote these advancements. Linton has experience in all three areas of the land-grant mission (academics, extension and research) and I believe he is in a great position to establish a strategic vision for the next decade of CALS.”
Smith said Linton is most interested in engaging with students.
“His philosophy is ‘Students first,'” Smith wrote. “In his current position, he has offered town halls for students, allowing them an avenue through which to express their opinions and suggestions directly to the administration.”
Smith said Linton hopes to continue that tradition when he arrives at N.C. State, and he wants to use the Agri-Life Council on a regular basis to get student feedback.
“Linton is committed to developing a more inclusive college that provides better accessibility for all students,” Smith wrote. “He is known around the world for his work as a professor and understands the value of national and international experiences. He wants students to experience more of these opportunities as well.”
