An administrator with more than 25 years experience in agricultural education has been named director of the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Gary Brown Jackson will assume his duties as head of the statewide educational outreach system Jan. 1, 2011, pending formal approval of the Board of Trustees, State Institutions of Higher Learning.

“Dr. Jackson’s experience and dedication to higher education make him an excellent choice for leader of the MSU Extension Service’s educational outreach to all Mississippians,” said Greg Bohach, vice president of MSU’s Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine.

“In addition, Dr. Jackson has established excellent relationships with colleagues at other educational institutions and government agencies, as well as Mississippians engaged in all types of agricultural enterprises.”

In keeping with its stated mission, the Mississippi State University Extension Service provides research-based information, educational programs, and technology transfer focused on issues and needs of the people of Mississippi, enabling them to make informed decisions about their economic, social, and cultural well-being.

“Dr. Jackson’s variety of administrative roles and a record of teaching innovations are valuable assets as he leads Extension professionals and support staff in continuing a tradition of adapting new technology and methods for statewide educational programs,” said MSU President Mark Keenum.

Jackson earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural and extension education at Mississippi State. He holds a doctorate from Pennsylvania State University, with a major in agricultural education and a minor in communication.

Jackson began his professional career as an agricultural educator for the Starkville School District. He has been a member of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences faculty since 1990 and has served as assistant and associate dean of the college, as well as director of the School of Human Sciences and interim state leader for Extension’s Family and Consumer Sciences program.

In 2010, he assumed the duties of interim associate vice-president of academic affairs in the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President at MSU.