President Elson S. Floyd Appoints John C. Gardner

Contact: Jennifer Hollingshead
Office: (573) 882-0601
E-mail: hollingsheadj@umsystem.edu

University of Missouri President Elson S. Floyd Appoints John C. Gardner UM Vice President for Research and Economic Development

COLUMBIA, Mo.–-University of Missouri President Elson S. Floyd announced today that he has appointed John C. Gardner to serve as vice president for research and economic development. Gardner, who currently serves as associate dean of research and outreach in the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, will begin his new duties Oct. 1, 2005. In his new role, Gardner will coordinate the University of Missouri’s state-wide activities in the critical area of research and economic development.

"I am convinced that the University of Missouri and the state of Missouri will be best served by having a single officer charged with the responsibility of ensuring that our economic development initiatives are carefully coordinated with local, state and federal agencies to achieve maximum results for the people of our state," President Floyd said today. "I believe Dr. Gardner is well qualified by virtue of his experience and knowledge of Missouri and the University to take on this challenge."

"Economic development is a critically important role of our University," said MU Chancellor Brady J. Deaton. "Dr. Gardner has the faculty support and experience to work effectively across the System, and we will be fully supportive of his efforts."

"We are very excited about this appointment," said Tom Payne, Vice Chancellor and Dean, College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. "John is ideal for the new role because of his experience in land-grant universities and industry and, of course, because of his outstanding ability."

In his current capacity as associate dean for research and outreach in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, Gardner has managed the research program of the college, both on the MU campus and among the 21 sites and 14,562 acres owned and operated by the Agricultural Experiment Station across Missouri. He also helps lead the agriculture and natural resource extension/outreach activities through University of Missouri Extension.

"I am humbled but excited to accept this appointment," Gardner said today. "I believe this position will provide tremendous synergy as we find new and exciting ways to foster the University’s and the state of Missouri’s research and economic development for the new economy."

Prior to coming to MU in late 1999, Gardner was one of the founders and the general manager/CEO of AgGrow Oils, a grower-owned L.L.C. in North Dakota that produced, processed, and marketed specialty oilseeds.

AgGrow formed a joint venture with Cenex Harvest States of St. Paul, Mn. in 1999. Prior to work in the private sector, Gardner was the Director of the North Dakota State University Carrington Research Extension Center for 10 years. There he directed research on landscape-scale production of dryland and irrigated crops/vegetables and beef production systems.

For a photo and complete bio, please visit the following Web address: https://umsystem.edu/ums/news/releases/gardnerbio.shtml