Jimmy Cheek Named Dean Of UF College Of Agriculture

January 13, 1999

GAINESVILLE — Jimmy Cheek, formerly assistant dean of the University of Florida College of Agriculture, was today named dean of the college and dean of academic programs for UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), effective Feb. 1.

Cheek’s selection was announced by UF President John Lombardi and Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources Michael V. Martin.

“Jimmy Cheek has a proven commitment to providing society-ready graduates and future leaders for Florida’s agricultural, human and natural resources. He is clearly the appropriate choice to lead our academic programs in UF/IFAS,” said Lombardi.

“Jimmy is one of the country’s rising stars in administration of teaching programs, and we are delighted to keep him at the UF as our academic programs’ dean,” Martin said. “Cheek is well-respected nationally and locally by the UF/IFAS faculty and staff. He has been a prime mover in helping strengthen the UF College of Agriculture and promoting its undergraduate growth for the past several years. We expect that he will build on the strong foundation that has been left by retiring Dean Larry Connor.”

Cheek received his bachelor’s and doctorate degrees in agricultural and vocational education from Texas A&M University. He received his master’s in guidance counseling from Lamar University. Prior to coming to UF in 1975, Cheek served as a graduate fellow and instructor at Texas A&M.

He joined the UF faculty as an assistant professor and rose to the rank of full professor in agricultural education and communication. He was named assistant dean for academic programs of the College of Agriculture in 1992.

As assistant dean, Cheek was responsible for the administration of the college’s undergraduate academic programs. Since his appointment, undergraduate enrollment has increased 120 percent, and the number of undergraduate degrees awarded has increased from 323 in 1993 to 633 in 1997.

Cheek also has chaired the UF/IFAS distance education committee and helped guide the UF/IFAS distance education program to rank among the top programs in the country.

The UF College of Agriculture ranks sixth in size among similar U.S. programs. Bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees are offered across programs in 19 majors, 50 specializations and 11 minors. Degree programs are conducted in Gainesville, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Pierce and Milton.

“I believe that administrators must serve as a catalyst for positive change and can provide stable guidance to academic programs through what may be critical adjustments in the way we do business in the future,” Cheek said.

“I am eager to get on with helping academic programs play a vital, expanding and central University of Florida role in providing leaders for Florida and the nation in agriculture, human and natural resources.”

Cheek succeeds Larry Connor who retires Jan. 31.