D.C. Coston
Dickinson State University
President’s Office
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
August 2011 to present PRESIDENT, DICKINSON STATE UNIVERSITY (“Acting” from August
22, 2011 through December 14, 2011;; “Interim” from December 15, 2011 to
January 19, 2012, President January 19, 2012 to Present)
RESPONSIBILITIES: Report to the Chancellor for Higher Education and the North Dakota State Board of Higher
Education. Dickinson State is one of 11 institutions under the oversight of the Board. Have full authority and
responsibility from Board to administer the affairs of the university in accordance with Board policies, plans, budgets,
and standards as established by the Board or law. Dickinson State is primarily a 4 year university with several associate
degree offerings and limited graduate course offerings. DSU has campuses in Dickinson, Bismarck, and Williston.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
During a very challenging time for the university family, my main responsibility has been to stabilize the operations at
the university while maintaining a sense of integrity in the community. Supporting faculty and student projects and
being visible and accessible to all of the affected communities to create a sense of security and growth in a stable and
supportive environment has been essential.
Reorganized many university functions to assure accountability and appropriate checks and balances. Recruited and
hired highly qualified outstanding candidates into leadership positions.
Regarding issues that predated my being at Dickinson State, have led efforts to address issues cited by the Higher
Learning Commission in placing Dickinson State’s accreditation “On Notice” in July 2012. The Team’s rationale states, “The team found evidence confirming that the University had made significant progress in addressing all areas identified in the July 12, 2012 letter from HLC President Sylvia Manning to DSU President D. C. Coston.”
In December 2011, a DSU led initiative, in collaboration with Harvard University, the National Park Service and the
Library of Congress, formally released the initial 16,000 items in the Theodore Roosevelt digital collection, including
full metadata for each item. This system, essentially creating a “Presidential Library,” is making materials, many of which have not heretofore been available, accessible worldwide to both scholars and to those who have an avocational
interest in our 26th President. More than 19,000 items are now available. The University has been given the charge to
develop a physical Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.
Have re-energized the Strom Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation including getting it on sound financial footing.
In addition to supporting numerous entrepreneurship efforts in the region, the Center is now viewed as the major source
of reliable data and information for communities in the Bakken oil-development region to utilize in their planning.
Have initiated new academic programs that provide opportunities for non-traditional students to gain expertise and
credentials – with particular emphasis in serving the rapidly growing energy sector in western North Dakota.
Successfully helped transition DSU Athletics to the Frontier Conference. Played a key role in gaining admission for
DSU Athletics into the North Star Athletic Association effective with the 2014-15 academic year.
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In Spring 2013 semester, taught LEAD 300H, “Global Leadership,” with 21 students. In addition to class discussions
and significant writing assignments, we had five outstanding private and public sector leaders attend and challenge the
students.
Have positioned the institution, that in addition to the programs we offer, DSU will be a broker of educational
opportunities for our region. We have developed partnerships in which other organizations utilize our facilities for
workforce training programs to meet the needs of the region. Additionally, a partner university will begin offering
some master degree programs on our campus in Fall 2013 primarily aimed to serve practicing professionals.
2005 TO August 2011 VICE PRESIDENT FOR AGRICULTURE AND UNIVERSITY
EXTENSION, NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
RESPONSIBILITIES: Reported directly to the President of NDSU and served on the President’s Cabinet. Served as
Chief Executive Officer for ND Agricultural Experiment Station, NDSU Extension Service, and Northern Crops
Institute. These are separate state agencies that are under the oversight of the State Board of Higher Education. Work
with executive team to implement programs on campus, at 8 research extension centers across state, and in 52 county
offices. Leadership in conjunction with legislatively created State Board of Agricultural Research and Education to
prioritize state budget requests and to market budget with executive and legislative branches. More than 800 faculty and
staff involved in programs. Annual budget exceeds $90 million with approximately 45% from state funds and
remainder from grants and contracts and other sources.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
In 2009 biennial legislative session achieved 18% increase in recurring state funding plus $17 million in capital project
funding. Continued GROW 21 initiative and strategy led to this success (see next item)
In 2007 biennial legislative session achieved 17% increase in recurring state funding plus an equal amount in capital
project funding. In preparing for session held formal and informal listening sessions with groups and individuals
throughout state. Led preparation of budget initiative “GROW 21: Enhancing North Dakota’s Economy through Agriculture.” Worked with legislatively created Board of Agricultural Research and Education to refine and gain
endorsement of plan. Led efforts to meet with governor’s office, legislative leaders, and numerous groups to gain support for plan. Testified during legislative session and worked closely with committees in both House and Senate in
finalizing budget.
In December, 2010, completed $3 million private fund-raising campaign for biosafety level 3 greenhouse and laboratory
facility
Led initiative to bring together the collective resources throughout NDSU in forming BioEPIC (Bio Energy and
Products Innovation Center. More that 60 faculty and staff in most of NDSU’s colleges and throughout state are involved. More than 70 private and public sector partners participate in Center’s programs. Worked with task force to complete documentation that resulted in formal authorization of Center by the State Board of Higher Education. Has
led to new programs, collaborations, and funding.
Member, NDSU Diversity Council – Involved in discussions that finalized University’s Diversity Strategic Plan. Playing significant role in helping University implement and assess success of the Plan
Worked with University leadership in development of a new 125,000 sq ft facility for housing the College of Business
and the Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics. This included refurbishment of an older building in the
heart of the Fargo business district. The North Dakota Trade Office is co-located. During development phase served as
University spokesperson in presentations and in media events. Led several successful efforts raising funds for support
of classrooms, conference rooms, etc.
Co-led development of Oilseeds Center of Excellence, a program for bringing the capabilities of North Dakota’s higher education system and private partners together to spur economic development. Private partners in the Oilseeds Center
are Monsanto and Archer Daniels Midland. The companies have invested and committed approximately $10.5 million.
NDSU was awarded $2 million in 2006 and another $1.5 million through a competitive process.
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Served as catalyst in creating Beef Systems Center of Excellence. Through legislative action we were provided 2 new
faculty positions plus funding for facilities and operations with the stipulations that NDSU garner at a minimum $1
million in federal funding and a private sector partner with an investment of at least $1 million. A grant for $1 million
was received from USDA. NDSU worked with a private sector group to create a new company, North Dakota Natural
Beef, LLC, and assisted with their successful drive to garner more than $4.2 million in equity funding. Construction
that renovated two buildings into a new facility is located close to the NDSU campus. The new facility includes space
for NDSU teaching and research programs.
North Dakota and Kazakhstan are similar in geography, topography, and climate. I have led efforts with the North
Dakota Trade Office, more than 30 exporting companies in North Dakota, and Kazakh officials to enhance agribusiness
development including incorporation of technologies purchased in North Dakota. During 2009, I visited Kazakhstan
twice to visit with the private sector, government officials, and higher education leaders. Additionally, I helped host
three teams from Kazakhstan in North Dakota. NDSU is being looked to as the provider of training and education in
these developments. We are hosting several students from Kazakhstan who are working in ND exporting companies
while concurrently studying for master’s degrees and will be hosting several Kazakh faculty during the next academic
year. In conjunction with North Dakota’s Lieutenant Governor, I have met with the Kazakhstan Ambassador to the United States who has taken a personal interest in these developments. The Ambassador has asked us to prepare a longrange strategic plan for co-ventures and fully integrated development. We are currently in the initial phases of
development of similar arrangements with Shanxi Province in China.
Helped create partnership program with University of Belize (UB) to bring Belizean students to NDSU for graduate
degrees. Seven students have been in program with six having completed master’s degrees. With our assistance, UB
gained Belizean government funding to create new academic programs modeled on those at NDSU
Have worked with the Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation on a targeted life sciences development
strategy for the region. I have helped host several companies, have traveled with them to recruit companies, and have
met with local entrepreneurs.
Working throughout University to connect needs of state with capabilities of institution. Currently we are placing
professional engineers and business development specialists at off-campus research extension centers to assist small
scale manufacturing firms grow and expand. Have helped create program for developing arts facilities and programs in
rural communities as potentials for economic opportunity.
Working closely with students. I was instrumental in reinvigorating the NDSU National Agricultural Marketing
Association student chapter. I am one of the sponsors of Bison Pullers in the annual American Society of Agricultural
and Biological Engineering national competition. I provide guest lectures in a number of classes and often speak to
student clubs and societies. I was inducted as an honorary member of Alpha Gamma Rho. I participate in a number of
master’s and doctoral final examinations and am often asked to help edit theses and dissertations.
1995 TO 2005
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR (CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER), OKLAHOMA
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION, OKLAHOMA STATE
UNIVERSITY.
RESPONSIBILITIES. Primary leadership for statewide programs. Research occurs on campus, at facilities in the
Stillwater area, and at 17 locations throughout Oklahoma. Over 280 faculty, 20 support personnel, 220 graduate
students, and 400 undergraduate students participate in the Station’s programs. Faculty are in the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, the College of Veterinary Medicine, the College of Human Environmental
Sciences, and the College of Arts and Sciences. Responsible for Federal and State appropriations management and for
extramural grants and contracts management. Total annual expenditures exceeded $50 million. Participated in faculty
and administrative evaluations.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
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Defined research priority areas as: fundamental understandings, systems, natural resources management, and enhancing
economic and community vitality.
Defined our advantage in collaborative activities. Developed annual performance guidelines and promotion and tenure
guidelines that recognize interdisciplinary successes. Extramural funding, much attracted by interdisciplinary teams,
has increased from approximately $5-18 million annually.
Targeted Research Initiatives Program (TRIP) for ‘seed’ funding of research in priority areas. In 5 years, $2.5 million
were invested with 73 of 75 projects supported being interdisciplinary. To date, these projects have directly led to more
that $50 million in extramural funding.
Planning and implementing the Oklahoma Food and Agricultural Products Research and Technology Center program.
In six years completed over 800 projects with over 600 Oklahoma companies, including more than 100 start-up firms.
Created International Research Support Grants Program to increase research cooperation with outstanding scientists in
other nations. Program has led directly to numerous research partnerships, including sabbatical leaves for OSU faculty,
visiting scholars to OSU, and enhanced student exchanges.
Led university-wide planning for enhancement of life sciences programs. Successful in getting life sciences identified
as a university priority. Have developed numerous shared university-wide facilities including: core protein-nucleic acid
analysis, NMR capacity, enhanced electron microscopy including confocal, and biocontained plant growth facilities.
Developed strategy of “Successful, Healthy Communities” in concert with community leaders throughout Oklahoma and with faculty and staff. Approach is providing support for helping communities to address following in a holistic
way: diverse and resilient economy, effective and efficient infrastructure, and leadership.
Led efforts with several organizations in Oklahoma to create Rural Oklahoma Capital Alliance - a venture capital fund
of $30-40 million.
Led efforts for planning the Oklahoma Centennial Botanical Garden what will be in Tulsa. Project is collaboration
among OSU, Tulsa Community College, and Tulsa Technology Center and will have a major research and education
thrust. Pulled together an executive committee of Tulsa leaders and a professional resource advisory board from
throughout the United States. Worked closely with Presidents and Governing Boards of the three educational partners,
Tulsa Mayor, Oklahoma Governor, Legislators, and numerous community leaders to define concepts and strategies for
implementation.
Instrumental roles in raising over $10 million in gifts and bequests for facilities and equipment, endowed faculty
positions, and graduate student fellowships.
Testified before numerous State Legislative panels on research and economic development issues.
Developed series of policy briefing papers for State Legislative and state leaders on issues of importance to Oklahoma’s future.
Provided testimony to US House of Representatives Agriculture Committee on Value-added Products and Rural Vitality
in July 2001.
Developed enhanced accountability systems to stakeholders.
Presented seminars and lectures annually to more than 10 undergraduate and graduate classes. Worked with numerous
student organizations. Inducted by students as honorary member of Golden Key.
Worked closely with University Administration to attract outstanding candidates from under-represented populations to
Oklahoma State University faculty.
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Worked closely with academic departments to recruit outstanding candidates from under-represented populations for
graduate study.
Led licensing of intellectual property including development of new industries and companies in Oklahoma.
Elected Founding President and Chair of Board of National Institute for Agricultural Security.
Director for planning for the South Central Region of the Sun Grant Initiative – a national plan for implementation of
bio-based products for energy, material, and industrial applications. The South Central Region involves universities and
stakeholders in eight states – Oklahoma, the states that are contiguous to Oklahoma, plus Louisiana. Co-author of
strategic plan report.
Research Grants Committee, Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology.
Marketing Committee for the Oklahoma Technology and Research Park – a partnership of Oklahoma State University,
Meridian Technology Center, and the City of Stillwater.
1998-2000 AND
1/2004 – 6/2005
INTERIM ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR,
OKLAHOMA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE, OKLAHOMA
STATE UNIVERSITY. (CONCURRENT RESPONSIBILITIES WITH
ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF EXPERIMENT STATION POSITION)
RESPONSIBILITIES: Primary leadership of statewide system with offices in 76 counties and in academic
departments, Total staffing of more than 600. Management of Federal, state, county, and extramural funds of
approximately $36 million annually.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Assumed position when organization faced serious budget situation and morale was low. Developed and implemented
new strategies for Extension system including changes in staffing patterns, enhanced communication technologies, and
assuring adequate compensation.
Led efforts that acquired $1.6 million form State Legislature for enhancement of field staff system.
Developed new system for contracts with county government to enhance program productivity and accountability.
Created Program for the Future of Rural Oklahoma in collaboration with Experiment Station. Enhanced efforts working
with rural and urban communities on economic development, human capital building, health care, etc.
1995-2005
PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE, OKLAHOMA STATE
UNIVERSITY. (CONCURRENT WITH POSITION AS ASSOCIATE
DIRECTOR OF EXPERIMENT STATION AND INTERIM ASSOCIATE
DIRECTOR OF OKLAHOMA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION.)
1988-1995
ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR RESEARCH/ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, S.C.
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION, CLEMSON UNIVERSITY.
RESPONSIBILITIES. Co-administrative responsibility with Dean/Director for statewide research programs. Over
150 faculty most with joint appointments in extension and/or instruction, over 250 support personnel, and 250 graduate
students on campus and at 4 research and education centers. Management of over 12,000 acres of property. Total
budget approximately $2 million. Leadership with others for development of budget initiatives for consideration by
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South Carolina General Assembly. Liaison with industry and other support groups for initiatives. Liaison with
members and staff of General Assembly for marketing of these initiatives.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Leadership in improvement of faculty abilities to obtain extramural support. Included streamlining of approval
processes, educational opportunities on grantsmanship, mentoring by faculty who have had previous success.
Extramural support increased from approximately $2 million in awards annually to approximately $7 million. Founding
Board Member of Clemson University Community and Economic Development Program including chair for two years.
Program goals are to assist rural communities in addressing their future through planning and implementation of those
plans. This was a collaborative program of the Strom Thurmond Institute, the Clemson University Cooperative
Extension Service, and Experiment Station.
Intellectual property management for Experiment Station including seeking protection for and licensing of inventions.
Instrumental in securing 15 patents and development of 12 licensing agreements. Served on University Intellectual
Property Committee.
1990 TO 1995
COORDINATOR OF BIOTECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS FOR CLEMSON
UNIVERSITY. (CONCURRENT WITH EXPERIMENT STATION
POSITION.)
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
Development of collaboration by deans, department heads, and faculty in 12 departments and four colleges. Included
development of three multi-user laboratory facilities, bond funding support for laboratory renovations, seminar
programs, and training programs for faculty and student skill and technique improvement. Participation in recruitment
of faculty with biotechnology skills. Initiative areas included: immunology, microbiological food safety, genetic
manipulation of plants and plant pests, molecular interaction of licensing tissues and artificial materials, and automation
of plant tissue culture.
1993 TO 1995
DIRECTOR OF “ALLIANCE 2020” PROGRAM. (CONCURRENT WITH EXPERIMENT STATION POSITION.)
ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
One of twelve consortia comprising W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Food Systems Professions Education initiative. The alliance included South Carolina State University, the 16 campuses of the South Carolina Technical College System,
and Clemson University in collaboration with more than 400 citizens across the state. Resulted in much collaboration
among the educational partners.
Organized and led a national teleconference on use of distance education technologies, particularly in development of
teaching techniques that take advantage of new systems.
1990 TO 1991
ACCOMPLISHMENTS.
INTERIM DIRECTOR OF INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS FOR DIVISION
OF AGRICULTURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES. CLEMSON
UNIVERSITY. (CONCURRENT WITH EXPERIMENT STATION
POSITION)
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Working with faculty to enhance programs in international work. Success in establishing relationships with institutions
and individuals in many countries including five new memoranda of understanding.
1978-1995
HORTICULTURE DEPARTMENT, CLEMSON UNIVERSITY.
PROFESSOR, 1986 TO 1995, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, 1982 TO JUNE
1986, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, 1978-1982.
Research in physiology of woody perennials. Included photosynthetic efficiency, canopy of light relationships, tissue
culture, pollination, and growth regulators. Published more than forty papers in refereed journals and more than thirty
additional publications.
Team leader and team member in research programs that generated over $2 million in extramural support.
Teaching undergraduate and graduate courses.
Advising M.S. and Ph.D. students and undergraduate students. 4 M.S., 3 MAg., and 3 Ph.D. students completed
degrees. One M.S. student was a Fulbright Fellow. Students now are on faculties at Georgia, Florida, and University of
Bologna in Italy and are successful in private industry. Served on guidance committees for eighteen other graduate
students.
Coordinator of undergraduate teaching for department. Included class scheduling, advising transfer students, chairing
curriculum discussions.
Chaired College Scholarship and Awards Committee and served as member of University Scholarship Committee.
1976-1978
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE,
VIRGINIA POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE AND STATE UNIVERSITY,
BLACKSBURG, VA.
Conducting extension program for clients throughout Virginia, included organizing and conducting in-service training
for county staff, conducting schools for professionals and general public, resource person for county staff, preparation
of radio and television tapes, and demonstration research to support extension work. Teaching and undergraduate tree
and small fruit production course.
1972-1976
GRADUATE RESEARCH (3/4/TIME.) DEPARTMENT OF
HORTICULTURE, MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY, EAST LANSING, MI
Overseeing laboratory and field research activities for two faculty members. Research on physiology of plant water
relations and growth regulators on productivity of woody plants.
Administering MSU plant analysis laboratory including supervision of personnel, supply ordering, and computer
reporting of results and recommendations to growers.
Statistical and computer consultant for department.
Taught an advanced undergraduate course in nutrition and water relations of woody plants.
SUMMERS 1970 AND 1971
RESEARCH ASSISTANT. DEPARTMENT OF PLANT
PATHOLOGY, N.C. STATE UNIVERSITY, RALEIGH, NC.
Conducted laboratory and field research program on bacterial canker in Solanceae at Mountain Horticultural Crop
Research Station in Fletcher, NC. Faculty leader of program was in Raleigh. Supervised four high school and college
students, screened chemical treatments, cultivar and species resistance, isolation of bacteria from natural hosts,
epidemiological issues of disease.
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Also worked in same program in Raleigh during 1970-71 and 1971-72 academic years.
EDUCATION
BS - Horticulture – Basic Sciences Option (High Honors), NC State University, May, 1972
MS – Horticulture – Plant Physiology, Michigan State University, June 1974
PhD – Horticulture – Plant Physiology, Michigan State University, August 1976
ADDITIONAL EDUCATION
Institutional of Intensive French, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL Summer 1986
Milliken Corporation Quality Leadership Program, Spartanburg SC Fall, 1990
W.E. Deming Quality Leadership Program, Greenville, SC Winter 1992
Higher Education Management Development Program, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA Summer 1993
Good Laboratory Practices in Scientific Research, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK Summer 1996
GRANT SUPPORT
Principal or co-investigator on more than $2 million in extramural support including W.K. Kellogg Foundation,
US-Israeli Bi-national Research and Development Program, US Department of Agriculture, US Environmental
Protection Agency, National Science Foundation, and numerous state and commercial sources.
Development of Science-Based Guidelines for Management of Research Facilities. US Department of Agriculture
$179,000.
South Central Sun Grant Initiative. US Department of Agriculture. $90,000 in FY ’02, $85,000 in FY ‘03
Planning Grant leading to national initiative. Authorized through FY 04 Congressional Omnibus Bill for funding
through FY 2010, $25 million in FY 05, $50 million in FY 06, and $75 Million per year for FY 07-FY10.
Managing Riparian Zones in Rural-Urban Interface Regions. Environmental Institute. Oklahoma State University.
$85,000.
INTERNATIONAL SERVICE
Kazakhstan – developing relationships with Kazakh universities, government entities, and private sector organizations
University of Belize, creating partnership between NDSU and University of Belize
Business Trade Team to Cuba. Accompanied US Senator James Inhofe, April 2004
Lecturer at CATIE, Turialba, Costa Rica, November, 2002 “Research Programs Management”
Invited Speaker. GAP Administrative Council Symposium, Ankara Turkey January 2000
Presenter, Congress on Informatics and Telematics in Agriculture, Verona, Italy March 1993
Convener of First International Symposium on the Biosafety Results of Field Tests of Genetically Modified Plants and
Microorganisms, Kiawah Island, SC November 1990. Co-sponsors included USDA, EPA, European Commission,
INRA (France), Germany, Campbell Corporation, Monsanto Corporation.
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2nd International Symposium on the Biosafety Results of Field Tests of genetically Modified Plants and
Microorganisms. Goslar, Germany, May 1992. Chaired opening session.
3rd International Symposium of the Biosafety Results of Field Tests of Genetically Modified Plants and
Microorganisms. Monterey CA November 1994, planning committee
US Representative to 4th Symposium in this series. Japan 1996
Convener of International Peach Symposium, Clemson, SC June 1988. This event was part of the University’s Centennial Celebration and was co-sponsored by the International Society of Horticultural Science. 200 international
participants attended. Edited proceedings recorded as a volume of Acta Horticulturae.
Invited presenter at Moet-Hennessy symposium on Fruit Tree Biotechnology in Paris, France, October 1986
Liaison with Hong Kong University of Science and Technology for programs in biotechnology and environmental
science. Two visits to Hong Kong in 1993.
Led development of cooperative agreement between Clemson and University of Bologna, Italy for research
collaboration and scholar exchange.
Visited Kenya and Tanzania to evaluate project on fruit production and to present workshops. Invited by private
foundation The Tree People.
Cooperative grant-supported research with scientists in Israel and Egypt.
Attended meetings and professional visits in Italy, France, England, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Israel and
Egypt presenting seminars.
NATIONAL SERVICE
Member of Farm Foundation Round Table – invitational think tank group limited to 140 members from throughout US;
includes members of Congress, Cabinet secretaries, journalists, and private sector leaders
Chair, APLU BOA Farm Bill Committee
Chair, Experiment Station Committee on Organization and Policy (ESCOP) 2005, 2005
Founding Board Chair, National Institute for Agricultural Security, elected 2003
Member ESCOP. Founding chair of ESCOP Partnership Committee charged with developing opportunities to partner
among universities, with agencies, and with industry.
Co-chaired Partnerships Initiative with James Wade of University of Maryland – a process for improvement of
cooperation among Agricultural Experiment Stations, Cooperative Extension Services and USDA. Culminated in a
conference attended by more than 250 in Baltimore in February 2001. Developed shared agendas among the partners.
Board Member, National Center for Manure and Animal Waste Management and Animal and Poultry Waste
Management Center
Associate Editor of Journal for American Society for Horticultural Science and HortScience.
Chair, American Society for Horticultural Sciences National Issues Committee.
Founding member of ASHS Graduate Student Committee while at Michigan State – chaired for one year.
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REGIONAL SERVICE
Chair, North Central Administrative Heads Organization – 12 state region
Board member, North Central Region of Sun Grant
Chaired planning for South Central Region of the Sun Grant Initiative. Published strategic plan in 2003.
Chair, Southern Association of Agricultural Experiment Station Directors for 2 years. Previously served as secretary
and member of executive committee. Chaired Southern Region Research Committee which has responsibility for
review and approval of regional research projects. Streamlined review process. Serving as administrative advisor to
one national and five regional research activities. Served on committee which conducted special review of Southern
Region germplasm introduction center.
Executive Committee, Southern Region ASHS. Served as chair 1993-1994.
President, Southern Region American Society for Horticultural Science.
Southern Region ASHS Collegiate Affairs Committee for three years. Chaired for one year.
VPI&SU representative to Southeast Regional Grape Research Project.
Chairman, Horticulture Section, Cumberland-Shenandoah Fruit Workers.
STATE SERVICE
Member, Rural Leadership North Dakota Board of Directors
Member, Northern Crops Council – governing board for Northern Crops Institute
Member, North Dakota State Board of Agricultural Research and Education
Appointed by Governor of Oklahoma to EDGE Initiative Committee on Research and Development – 2003
Rural Initiative Committee, Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce
Applied Research Committee, Oklahoma Center for the Advancement of Science and Technology
State of Oklahoma Geographic Information Systems Council
UNIVERSITY SERVICE
North Dakota State University Diversity Council – co-chair, strategic planning committee
North Dakota State University President’s Cabinet Oklahoma State University Research Council.
Oklahoma State University Conflict of Interest Committee.
Community and Economic Development Program, a cooperative effort of the Strom Thurmond Institute, the
Cooperative Extension Service, and Experiment Station. Member of Steering Committee and served as chair for two
years. Clemson University.
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Member of Clemson University Intellectual Property Committee
Board of Governors of University Club of Clemson. President for two years. Initiated and chaired coordinating
committee of first two Presidential Balls.
Clemson University Faculty Senator. Served on Research Committee, Welfare Committee, chaired College of
Agricultural Sciences Senate delegation, served on Senate Advisory Committee.
Clemson University Master Plan Steering Committee.
Committee for Improvement of Cultural and Intellectual Life of Clemson University. Chaired the team that prepared
the final report that called for the addition of a performing arts facility.
University Scholarships and Awards Committee/
Clemson Chapter of Sigma Xi. Served as Secretary, Vice President and President.
PROFESSIONAL AND HONORARY SOCIETY AFFILIATIONS
Eagle Scout – Troop 601, Hendersonville, NC
Alpha Gamma Rho – Honorary membership by students at North Dakota State University
American Association for the Advancement of Science
Gamma Sigma Delta
Phi Kappa Phi
Sigma Xi
Phi Eta Sigma
Alpha Zeta
Blue Key
Golden Key – Honorary membership by students at Oklahoma State University
American Society of Horticultural Science
International Society of Horticultural Science
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Chair, North Sky District, Northern Lights Council, Boy Scouts of America
Loaned Executive and Community Investment Advisor, United Way of Cass Clay, Fargo, ND
Chamber of Commerce of Fargo Moorhead – member
Fargo Moorhead Economic Development Corporation - advisor
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Co-chair, Stillwater, OK United Way Campaign 2002-2003, and 2003-2004, Oklahoma State University portion of
campaign.
Marketing Committee, Oklahoma Technology and Research Park
Member, Stillwater Venture Partners, Managing Partner
Board of Directors, Cowboy Land Corporation
OSU Master Works Chorus
Fundraising host - OSU Friends of Music
Stillwater Frontier Rotary Club, Board Member and Foundation Committee Chair
Clemson Rotary Club, Paul Harris Fellow
Stillwater Chamber of Commerce, Member of Infrastructure and Industry Recruitment Committees