College Of Agricultural Sciences Envisions Growth
And Renewed Commitment To Pennsylvania's Citizens
July 13, 2000
University Park, Pa. -- Well into its second hundred years of educating students and serving Pennsylvania agriculture, Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences will focus on meeting the ever-changing demands of the food and fiber system by continuing its land grant mission of integrating teaching, research and extension and outreach, Dean Robert Steele told the University's Board of Trustees today (July 13).

"As a result of feedback from alumni and the employers who hire our students, the college is engaged in an extensive curricular reorganization that has placed increased emphasis on student internships and gaining international experience in a global economy. We will continue to explore imaginative ways for our students to gain this important experience," Steele told the board.

The mission for the College in the 21st century, Steele said, is building excellence in teaching, research and extension so that graduates in agricultural sciences can thrive in a world that reaches well beyond the farm gate and Pennsylvania into a teeming global and virtual economy.

Steele said the ongoing restructuring of Penn State Cooperative Extension has been an unqualified success. Two state program leaders have been hired and a candidate search for a third in underway. A new, streamlined organizational structure is in place and many new extension agents and faculty have been hired to better serve the citizens of the commonwealth. The College also has hired a number of new research and teaching faculty.

The College of Agricultural Sciences maintains an aggressive campaign to attract top-quality students and faculty to our programs. Several modern, state-of-the-art facilities are planned in the next few years, including new buildings for the food science department and the School of Forest Resources.

In addition to its 18 majors, the college coordinates countless special programs, research centers and intercollege projects.

Steele told the board that the College will continue to promote its unique educational mission by finding fresh and attractive methods to attract the best and the brightest of the next one hundred years.

"Many, if not most, 18- and 20-year-olds do not realize the tremendous career opportunities that are available within the food system -- jobs such as turf manager for a world-class golf course, to consulting forester, to quality control technician for a candy manufacturer, to crop consultant, and many others," Steele said. "Getting that message out remains one of our highest priorities."

Contact: Christy Rambeau at 814-865-7517 or e-mail