GAINESVILLE, Fla.—After eight years as head of Florida Cooperative Extension for the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), Christine Waddill is stepping down, effective October 6, 2003.
Waddill has served as UF/IFAS dean for extension and director of Florida Cooperative Extension since 1995. In a September 25 email message to faculty and staff, Waddill said that for both professional and personal reasons she had decided to change her role in UF/IFAS. She also indicated that UF Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources Mike Martin asked her to consider taking on the directorship at the UF/IFAS Everglades Research and Education Center in Belle Glade.
“I certainly view this as an interesting and important challenge. However, before making a final decision, I plan to meet with the faculty and clientele at the center to discuss their aspirations and expectations,” Waddill said.
“Chris Waddill has provided major and significant leadership to our UF/IFAS extension program over the past several years. Her legacy is a diverse and vibrant extension program for UF/IFAS,” Martin said.
“Her leadership has paved the way for meaningful and effective education and outreach efforts for the people of Florida.We anticipate she will provide ongoing contributions to our research and education programs in South Florida. She is not leaving the team, just changing positions,” he added.
Martin said Associate Extension Dean Larry Arrington will serve as interim dean and director until a search process for a new permanent dean and director is completed. Martin indicated the search would begin immediately.
“Larry Arrington is a very capable leader and has a great breadth of experience in the Florida system,” said Martin. “We expect him to continue to build on the programs that are so important to all of our UF/IFAS stakeholders throughout the state.”
With a faculty background in agricultural education and communications, Arrington joined the UF/IFAS faculty in 1981. He served as a district extension director for northwest Florida, supervising the extension program in Florida Panhandle counties for six years. He was appointed associate dean for extension in 1997.
-30-
0
