ANR dean appointed

Jeffrey D. Armstrong, head of the Department of Animal Sciences at Purdue University, was appointed dean of the MSU's College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, effective July 1.

The appointment, which includes a tenured professorship in the Department of Animal Science, was approved by the MSU Board of Trustees on April 20.

"The future of agriculture and natural resources are inextricably linked," said Armstrong, who has been in his current post at Purdue since 1997. "The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources will continue to be a world leader in the discovery and dissemination of knowledge.

"I am proud to join an institution with such a longstanding tradition of leadership and service to the people of Michigan and the world," he said.

Prior to his Purdue appointment, Armstrong was at North Carolina State University where he served in a number of capacities, including professor of animal science and assistant director of academic programs and director of the Agricultural Institute, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Armstrong has a bachelor of science degree from Murray State University (1981) and a master's degree (1984) and doctorate (1986) from North Carolina State University.

An internationally known researcher in the area of reproductive physiology, Armstrong also is active in the area of food animal well-being. He leads the United Egg Producers' Welfare Advisory Committee and is a member of the McDonald's Welfare Advisory Panel. He is currently the president of the American Society of Animal Science.

"Dr. Armstrong is a visionary and skillful leader who brings creativity, energy and enormous talents to this position," said Provost Lou Anna K. Simon. "We are confident he will build on the successes and traditions of this college to enhance the academic excellence and the impact of the college on Michigan, the nation and the world."

"As the search unfolded, Dr. Armstrong clearly emerged as the strongest candidate among a field of distinguished finalists," said Kirk Heinze, chairperson of the Department of ANR Education and Communication Systems, who also led the dean search committee. "We believe his administrative experience, dynamism and proven leadership skills will help propel the college to even greater heights."

Armstrong succeeds William W. Taylor, who has served as acting dean of the college since 1999.

The board also named Donald J. Bowersox, professor of marketing and supply chain management, to serve as dean of The Eli Broad College of Business and The Eli Broad Graduate School of Management as the search for a permanent dean continues. The change is effective immediately.

Bowersox had been interim dean of the college since last October, when James B. Henry stepped down from the dean's position. The college has been actively searching for a permanent dean since that time.

In another personnel action, the board appointed William D. Strampel, associate dean of the College of Osteopathic Medicine, to serve as acting dean from May 14 to Aug. 17. Strampel will temporarily fill the dean's position while Allen W. Jacobs is on sabbatical.