Larry Forthun, interim chair of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences (FYCS), has been chosen as the department’s permanent chair, effective Oct. 24.
Forthun, whose time with UF/IFAS began in 2008, has been a long-time asset to FYCS as he’s worked his way through the ranks from assistant professor to interim chair, a role he’s served in for 21 months. He has helped FYCS grow and thrive during his time as interim chair.
“Larry’s career trajectory since arriving in 2008 is a check-all-the-boxes path to this important service and leadership role,” said Rob Gilbert, UF/IFAS dean for research and executive director for academic affairs, praising his “calm demeanor and quiet commitment.”
Forthun said his focus going forward will be on supporting his faculty, staff and students to do their most forward-thinking work.
“My vision for the FYCS department is that it will grow to be the academic home for creative and innovative teaching, cutting-edge research and impactful Extension and community engagement programs,” Forthun said. “This is possible because we have exceptional faculty, students and department personnel who are working together to build resilience in the face of challenges and embrace a proactive approach to growth and innovation.”
He said he will build on his experience as interim chair to continue to cultivate an environment of creativity within academia.
“In my time as interim chair of FYCS, I have learned that I can best lead when I create an environment that enables innovative and creative people to do their best work,” he said.
His time in academia began in 1998 as an instructor at The Pennsylvania State University, Dubois, where he worked his way up to tenured associate professor.
At UF, he has been a mainstay in FYCS as an undergraduate coordinator, graduate program coordinator, associate chair, and, most recently, interim chair.
Forthun’s impact on UF during his career is wide-ranging. He co-developed the Ph.D. program in Youth Development and Family Science, promoted faculty development and led a staff reorganization that improved day-to-day efficiency. He has secured millions of dollars in grants, including for research on the prevention of substance abuse among adolescents. He has co-authored 46 publications on topics ranging from understanding the development of problem behaviors among adolescents to the promotion of mental health and well-being among adolescents and young adults.
He was recognized in 2023 as the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences graduate teacher/adviser of the year.
His awards range from UF-specific awards, such as UF/IFAS Superior Accomplishment Award for Faculty Service, to industry awards, such as the Educator Award from the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA).
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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.
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