IFAS dean named interim senior vice president for agriculture

January 5, 2009

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Larry Arrington, dean and director of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension, has been named interim senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources, UF President Bernie Machen announced today.

Arrington succeeds Jimmy Cheek, who in October was named chancellor of the University of Tennessee. Arrington will assume his new position Jan. 12.

“Larry’s long and solid track record with UF over the years makes him a perfect choice, especially as we prepare to face more budgetary challenges with the state,” Machen said.

Arrington, 55, has been at UF for 28 years. As the dean and director for the Florida Extension Service, Arrington manages the outreach arm of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, or IFAS. The Florida Extension Service is supported by both IFAS and Florida A&M University.

Arrington works closely with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences and the Agricultural Experiment Station to manage the partnership of federal, state, and county governments that forms the extension system in Florida.

“I look forward to working with IFAS faculty and staff to continue strong teaching, research and extension programs for our students and clientele throughout Florida,” Arrington said.

Arrington grew up in Plant City, where he was active in 4-H and FFA. He received his bachelor’s degree in agricultural education from UF; a master’s degree in education from the University of Georgia; and a doctorate in agricultural education from The Ohio State University.

He came to UF in 1981 as a faculty member in agricultural education and communication. He served as the district extension director from 1991 to 1997. Arrington was appointed associate dean for extension in 1997 and has served as dean since 2003.

A start date for the national search for the senior vice president position has not been set.