BELLE GLADE, Fla. — Anita Neal, a longtime University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension agent, has been named director for UF/IFAS Extension’s south district.
In her new position, Neal oversees the work of 11 UF/IFAS Extension county offices and the Seminole Indian Tribe. She said she is excited about her new role at UF/IFAS.
“Being an Extension district director enables me to help faculty accomplish their goals and be successful,” Neal said. “This position is a vehicle to take their thoughts, ideas and needs to the administration. And, I love helping to find those solutions.”
Neal has been an Extension agent for 20 years, providing leadership and programming support for 14 faculty and staff as the UF/IFAS Extension County director in St. Lucie County. There, she provided horticulture-related programming and training for Master Gardeners, homeowners, community organizations, schools and governmental groups.
Neal’s work ethic has made her an asset to UF/IFAS, said Nick Place, dean and director of UF/IFAS Extension.
“She was instrumental with the conception and implementation of the Treasure Coast Research and Education Development Authority, and the establishment of the Fort Pierce Downtown Farmer’s Market,” Place said. “Anita has been invaluable to the work of UF/IFAS Extension. She understands the important role Extension plays in improving the life of Floridians.”
Neal earned her bachelor’s in biology from the State University of New York in 1979 and a master’s in agricultural education and communication from UF in 2002. She is currently working on her Ph.D. in entomology at UF.
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By: Beverly James, 352-273-3566, beverlymjames@ufl.edu
Source: Anita Neal, 561-993-1280, asn@ufl.edu
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