Congratulations and best wishes to the next Ohio State University Extension Director, CFAES alum Dr. Roger Rennekamp (Ph.D 1987, Extension Education).
Currently the associate dean for Outreach and Engagement at Oregon State University's College of Public Health and Human Science, Rennekamp will assume his role Jan. 4. He takes over for Keith Smith, who retired in June.
Ohio State Extension is the outreach arm of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences and has an annual budget of $71 million and 700 employees.
“I am honored to renew my relationship with one of the nation’s premier land grant universities,” Rennekamp said recently about his return to Ohio State. “The need for Extension is as great as any time in its hundred-year history. Extension of the next century must remain true to key principles of community engagement and responsiveness while embracing approaches and technologies that will increase its reach and impact.”
Bruce A. McPheron, Ohio State’s vice president for agricultural administration and CFAES dean, praised Rennekamp for his experience at all levels of the Cooperative Extension System and his reputation for building collaborative relationships and partnerships.
“His strong background in working across disciplines will serve Ohio State and Ohio quite well,” McPheron said. “Roger’s enthusiasm and energy will help create the Extension organization of the future.”
Learn more about Dr. Rennekamp here.