John Hayes named UF/IFAS dean for research

June 4, 2012

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — John Hayes has been named dean for research of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences and director of the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station. The appointment takes effect July 1.

Hayes was appointed by Jack Payne, UF senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources; he has been UF/IFAS interim dean for research since July 2011.

“John is ideally suited for this position,” Payne said. “He has performed exceptionally well in the year that he has served as the interim dean, has a solid background in natural resources, and a firm understanding of the research needs for agricultural sciences. He has reached out to our research faculty and staff across the many IFAS disciplines in ways that have encouraged and facilitated their success.”

Hayes said he’s thrilled to continue guiding the UF/IFAS research enterprise.

“I look forward to working with the faculty to create new opportunities to build on the tremendous foundation IFAS has built in research,” he said, “to advance new initiatives and approaches to strengthen research linkages across the university, and to enhance interdisciplinary research programs.”

As director of the Florida Agricultural Experiment Station, he’ll oversee nearly 1,000 faculty members working at UF’s main campus in Gainesville and 13 research and education centers around the state.

Hayes said some of his priorities for UF/IFAS research include citrus greening, water conservation, development of new crop cultivars, improved cattle management, climate issues, bioenergy production, invasive species control, and conservation of natural areas.

“My experience as interim dean has increased my appreciation of the important connections among Florida’s human populations, agriculture and our environment,” he said. “During my tenure as dean, I hope to support research that addresses these issues, and that bolsters IFAS’ impact and reputation as an international research powerhouse.”

Hayes arrived at UF in July 2006 to take a post as professor and chairman of the wildlife ecology and conservation department. Previously, Hayes was a faculty member at Oregon State University, where he was a professor and associate dean for international programs at the College of Forestry.

Hayes earned a doctoral degree in ecology and evolutionary biology from Cornell University, a master’s degree in biology from Southern Oregon State College and a bachelor’s degree in wildlife science from Oregon State University.