After a nationwide search, John Lawrence was appointed vice president of Iowa State University’s Extension and Outreach programs in late March. He had been serving as interim vice president since March 2017 and began in the permanent role immediately upon being named.

He has also served as associate dean in the ISU College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and was director of ISU Extension.

“John has a long history of scholarship and administrative service and is uniquely qualified to lead ISU Extension and Outreach,” says ISU President Wendy Wintersteen. “I’m confident he will work to strengthen important Extension programs and partnerships, and enhance the connections of our faculty, staff and students to Iowa communities.”

Lawrence holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science and a master’s in economics, both from Iowa State, and a Ph.D. in ag economics from the University of Missouri. He joined ISU as an assistant professor of economics in 1991, serving as an Extension livestock economist. He’s also served as assistant director of the ISU Ag Experiment Station and director of the Iowa Beef Center.

Lawrence led the Iowa Nutrient Research Center at ISU, established in 2013 to develop science-based approaches for reducing the level of nutrients delivered to Iowa waterways and the Gulf of Mexico.

“John Lawrence brings a tremendous wealth of experience to the position of vice president,” says Jonathan Wickert, senior vice president and provost. “John has both institutional knowledge of ISU and knowledge of Extension. He will further enhance our important programs across the state.”

Lawrence says, “I’m honored to serve my colleagues, the university and the entire state of Iowa as leader of ISU Extension. I look forward to working with our talented faculty, staff and partners to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Iowans.”

Source: Iowa State University