Willard concludes service as chair of APLU committee

Author: Vanessa Beeson

Scott Willard (Photo by Kevin Hudson)

Scott Willard, dean of Mississippi State University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and director of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, has served as chair of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities', or APLU's, Academic Programs Committee on Organization and Policy, or ACOP, this past year.

In this role, Willard has led the executive committee of the Academic Programs Section, or APS, which operates under the Board on Agriculture Assembly, or BAA, within the APLU.

"Our committee plays a pivotal role in guiding the APS, focusing on academic program development and policy matters related to agriculture, food, natural resources, and similar fields," Willard said. "It's an honor to serve an organization so deeply committed to advancing the mission of public research universities."

The ACOP's work centers on strategic planning, policy development, governance, advocacy and representation.

"Our goal has been to ensure academic programs at the nation's land-grant universities align with national priorities in agricultural education and workforce development," Willard explained. "We oversee APS operations and policies, promoting a cohesive approach to academic issues nationwide. We also advocate for the resources and support needed to elevate agricultural education."

Willard's term as a chair in this national role will conclude in November at the APLU's annual meeting in Orlando, Florida, when he passes the gavel to the next chair, Claus Tittiger from the University of Nevada, Reno.

To learn more about the APLU, visit www.aplu.org. For information about the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at MSU, visit www.cals.msstate.edu.

Date: 2024-10-14