Jay Ferrell, chair of the University of Florida’s department of agronomy, will assume an additional leadership role Aug. 18 when he steps in as interim chair of the department of animal sciences. Both departments are within UF’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).
“Ferrell has quickly emerged as a leader who can manage multiple large projects simultaneously,” said Scott Angle, UF’s senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources and leader of UF/IFAS. “His ability to support and mentor early-career faculty has been a great asset for the agronomy department, and I am confident he will bring those qualities to his leadership of animal sciences while we search for a permanent chair.”
Ferrell takes over for John Arthington, who stepped back as animal sciences chair but will continue as a professor within that department.
Ferrell said the animal sciences department’s reputation as a leading institution in that field attracted him to the opportunity. He had also previously worked with animal sciences faculty members while researching weed control in forage production systems.
“I am looking forward to working with the department’s scientists and their expertise and better understanding the reasons for their great successes,” he said.
Ferrell’s career has been marked by a steady upward trajectory at UF/IFAS. He first joined the department of agronomy as an assistant professor in 2004. He served as associate chair from 2014 to 2017 before leaving to become the director of the UF/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants (CAIP). Two years later, he also became the director of the Pesticide Information Office (PIO). In February 2024, he returned to agronomy as interim chair but continued his leadership roles at the CAIP and the PIO. He became department chair nine months later and left the PIO.
Ferrell continues to serve as CAIP director.
As animal sciences interim chair, Ferrell will oversee both undergraduate and graduate programs, as well as facilities like the department’s meat processing center and teaching support units like its equine sciences center.
“My goal is to look after the administrative processes for both students and faculty and do the best I can to prepare for a permanent chair to be hired,” he said.
###
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
0
