The Trump administration has appointed Grant Menke as new state director for USDA Rural Development in Iowa. Menke began his role Aug. 6.

As head of the agency in Iowa, Menke says he’ll use his leadership experience to oversee Rural Development programs in a customer-focused manner to restore rural prosperity. Menke comes to USDA from the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association, where he served as the organization’s policy director working on behalf of Iowa’s ethanol and biodiesel producers. Prior to that position he worked in Washington, D.C., on the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance for U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley.

Menke, a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa, was raised on a corn and soybean farm in O’Brien County near Calumet in northwest Iowa. He now lives in Ankeny with wife, Susie, and their three sons.

USDA Rural Development programs provide loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community services such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas.

The agency has 11 offices across the state to serve the 1.7 million Iowans living in rural communities and areas. Office locations include a state office in Des Moines, along with area offices in Albia, Atlantic, Humboldt, Indianola, Iowa Falls, Le Mars, Mount Pleasant, Storm Lake, Tipton and Waverly.

Source: USDA Rural Development

Grooms named dean of ISU vet school

Dan Grooms, professor and chair of the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at Michigan State University, has been appointed the next Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University. He begins Oct. 1.

“Dr. Grooms is an accomplished scientist, teacher and leader who will build on the college’s reputation for excellence and the great achievements of our students, faculty and staff,” says President Wendy Wintersteen. “I’m confident he will also work effectively with veterinarians across the state, livestock and poultry producers and others who share our passion for animal and human health.”

Grooms, an expert in bovine infectious diseases, earned a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Cornell University and two degrees from Ohio State University — a veterinary degree and a Ph.D. in veterinary preventive medicine. He joined Michigan State in 1997 and was promoted to his present position in 2014.

Grooms also holds board certification from the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists, with specialty in veterinary virology, is a former president of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners and has served on the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture’s Committee on Animal Health.

“The College of Veterinary Medicine plays a significant role in advancing animal well-being, from companion to production animals, as well as research helping maintain the safety of our food supply and addresses society’s most pressing human health challenges,” Grooms says. “I’m honored and excited to work with our talented team to deliver excellence in teaching, research and service missions of ISU, and address important problems for our stakeholders globally.”

In making the announcement, Jonathan Wickert, ISU senior vice president and provost, thanked interim dean Pat Halbur for his leadership of ISU’s vet college, and members of the search committee for their thoughtful consideration of the candidates.

Source: Iowa State University