As of Aug. 1, Missouri State University’s Darr School of Agriculture will hand over the reins to a new director: Dr. Ronald Del Vecchio. He was selected after a national search to replace the longstanding director, Dr. Anson Elliott, who retired Dec. 31, 2015.
“We appreciate the leadership that Anson has provided over the years and the passion he has brought to the program at Missouri State,” said Dr. Frank Einhellig, provost at Missouri State. “With his strong leadership the School of Agriculture has grown in every way, and it has become a magnet for attracting students focused on a future career related to the multiple aspects of agricultural science and business.
“As we now transition to new leadership, we are excited to see the new ideas, vision and resourcefulness that Dr. Del Vecchio will bring with him from his extensive experience in the agriculture, natural resources and animal science fields.”
Del Vecchio’s appointment will be confirmed by the Board of Governors at the June 10 meeting. His salary will be $137,000.
As director, Del Vecchio will also be responsible for administration of facilities associated with the School of Agriculture. The school has a unique position among academic units in that the work of the director includes primary level oversight for the Fruit Science Experiment Station at Mountain Grove and several other locations, including Shealy Farm, Journagan Ranch, Bakers Acres and the Woodlands.
About Del Vecchio
Del Vecchio most recently was at the University of Minnesota – Crookston. He served as a professor and was the department head of the agriculture and natural resources department from July 2008-July 2015.
Del Vecchio received his doctorate and master’s degree from Texas A&M University in the area of animal science. He received his bachelor’s at the University of Rhode Island in the area of animal and veterinary science.