Ohio State - College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

We are excited to announce John Fulton's appointment as a Dean's Chair for CFAES.

An expert in digital and precision agriculture, John will focus on extension work and the role of AI in addressing evolving challenges.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4uAwKkF

Ohio State University Extension | Ohio State FABE

In each season across every acre of Waterman, our people carry out Ohio State's land-grant mission.

If you've enjoyed our series One Week at Waterman, then you'll enjoy seeing One Year at Waterman in the Ohio State Alumni Magazine. Check it out here: https://bit.ly/4vhr1S0

We are happy to announce the reappointment of Andy Michel as associate dean and director of CFAES Wooster. He has served in this role since 2023, and we look forward to seeing what's next for the CFAES Wooster community under his leadership!

Learn more: https://bit.ly/4xy4m5m

Tom Fontana received the Spirit of the Land-Grant Award at the 2026 CFAES Awards.

Tom joined the Ohio Soybean Council in 2005 as Director of New Use Development. He later became Director of Research and Education, a role in which he served from 2013 to 2025. His work focused on plant and environmental research projects, as well as biodiesel and education initiatives.

Join us in congratulating Tom on this well‑deserved recognition!

The AgTech Innovation Hub — a partnership among CFAES, Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau — has announced its latest round of awards supporting agricultural research projects, including those led by five CFAES faculty members:

• John Yost | Ohio State University Extension
• Luis Rodriguez-Saona | Ohio State Department of Food Science and Technology
• Vinayak Shedekar | Ohio State FABE
• Richard Dick | School of Environment and Natural Resources at The Ohio State University
• Sami Khanal | Ohio State FABE

Learn more about each research initiative here: https://bit.ly/4vWtd1l

Elizabeth Harsh, executive director of the Ohio Beef Council and the Ohio Cattlemen's Association, received the Meritorious Service to Students Award at the 2026 CFAES Awards. 🏆

Elizabeth has dedicated her career to the growth of Ohio’s beef industry and the development of its future leaders.

An alumna of Ohio State and a former livestock judging team member, she remains a supporter of our students through impactful programming such as the Ohio Beef Expo and the BEST youth development program, as well as her service on the university Board of Trustees.

Please join us in celebrating Elizabeth for her incredible leadership and commitment to agriculture!

We are excited to announce David Civittolo as associate dean and director of Ohio State University Extension, and Eric Barrett as chair of the Department of Extension and assistant dean.

Civittolo has served as interim associate dean and director of Extension and interim chair of the Department of Extension since 2023. Barrett has served as assistant dean of Extension and associate chair of the Department of Extension.

To learn more about the new appointments, visit: https://bit.ly/4uHI1zR

David Barker, professor in Ohio State Horticulture and Crop Science (HCS), received the Outstanding Service to Students Award at the 2026 CFAES Awards. 🏆

Since 2001, David has supported the Crops and Soils Club through regular meeting attendance, engaging guest speakers and encouraging national involvement. He also coached teams to national quiz bowl championships in 2024 and 2025.

Additionally, David was recently recognized with the Bob Evans Leadership Award from the Ohio Forage and Grasslands Council, as well as the Selfless Service Legacy Award from HCS.

Join us in congratulating David on this well‑deserved recognition!

As rural communities face growing shortages of large animal veterinarians, CFAES and Ohio State ATI are preparing students for careers through early mentorship and hands-on training. To learn more about the programs offered, visit: https://bit.ly/43TFR54