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Charles Stoltenow currently works for NDSU Extension, but he has Nebraska roots.

December 13, 2021

2 Min Read
Attendees at Nebraska Extension stocker and yearling tour
WINNING PROGRAMMING: Nebraska Extension, which facilitated a stocker and yearling tour at the Ravenscroft ranch south of Nenzel this past summer, is a crucial component to agriculture research, education and profitability for farmers and ranchers. A new dean and director of Nebraska Extension, Charles Stoltenow, will take the helm in January.Curt Arens

Charles Stoltenow, current assistant director of Extension for agriculture and natural resources at North Dakota State University, will be the next dean and director of Nebraska Extension.

Stoltenow was selected to lead Nebraska Extension after a national search, pending approval of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents. Stoltenow was one of two finalists who interviewed on campus in the fall. He was named priority candidate and spent 10 days in November touring Nebraska and meeting with university faculty, staff and stakeholders.

“I am so excited about the opportunity to return to and work with the people of Nebraska,” Stoltenow said. “The capacity, reputation and commitment of Nebraska Extension to enhancing the lives of its residents is second to none. I look forward to continuing my journey across the state, to listening to our residents, stakeholders and Extension staff to better understand where we are and where our challenges and opportunities lie, and to co-create priority initiatives to guide us as we move ahead.”

Before joining NDSU Extension in 1996, Stoltenow worked in private practice as an equine veterinarian, as a veterinary epidemiologist for USDA, and for the Nebraska Department of Health as the assistant state epidemiologist.

He has a bachelor’s degree in animal science from North Dakota State University and received his doctoral degree in veterinary medicine from Iowa State University.

“After watching Dr. Stoltenow visit with community leaders and Extension professionals across Nebraska, it is clear that he truly understands the importance of county-based Extension and the value it brings to producers and families across our state,” said Mike Boehm, NU Vice President and Harlan Vice Chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

“At the same time, he is a forward-looking and creative leader who I am confident will nurture the success of our amazing team of Extension professionals in ways that strengthen the resilience of Nebraska’s 531 communities and enhance the third-largest agricultural economy in the United States.”

Stoltenow will assume his new position on Jan. 1. He succeeds Chuck Hibberd, who retired in June 2020. Dave Varner, associate dean of Nebraska Extension, served as the interim dean and director after Hibberd’s retirement. Varner will return to the associate dean role.

“I am grateful for Dr. Varner’s leadership during the past 18 months,” Boehm said. “He capably and successfully led Nebraska Extension through an incredibly challenging time, and I am forever grateful to Dave for his steady and empathetic leadership.”

Pesek is communications director for IANR.

Source: IANR News, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.

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