Agricultural Sciences

Andra Johnson named associate director of Penn State Extension

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. —Andra Johnson, vice chancellor for research and technology development at the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has been named associate director of Penn State Extension, effective July 1.

As associate director, Johnson will be in charge of Penn State Extension's efforts to develop and deliver high-quality, relevant and impactful extension educational programs, products and services through a variety of formats. Through his supervision of assistant directors in seven program areas and his oversight of the program development process, he will provide leadership and support in the planning, prioritizing, budgeting, development, delivery and evaluation of programs, products and services.

He also will lead the effort to interface research with extension educational programming and help to develop and implement an effective communications strategy for the organization.

"Andra Johnson has an outstanding record as an educator, researcher and administrator at land-grant institutions," said Brent Hales, director of Penn State Extension and associate dean in the College of Agricultural Sciences. "He is a strong proponent of the integration of research, extension and education, a natural team builder, and a believer in human and leadership development. We are excited to have him join our leadership team this summer."

Johnson holds a bachelor's degree in urban forest management from Southern University and A&M College, and earned master's and doctoral degrees in forest resources from Penn State. Prior to his current position, he served as the director of research at the Alcorn State University School of Agricultural Research, Extension and Applied Sciences in Lorman, Mississippi.

Previously, he spent 13 years conducting research, teaching graduate and undergraduate courses, and providing educational outreach to Louisiana’s citizens and stakeholders as an associate professor of urban forestry at Southern University and A&M College.

Penn State Extension is dedicated to translating scientific research into real-world applications to drive progress. In support of Penn State's land-grant mission, extension programs serve individuals, businesses and communities, while promoting a vibrant food and fiber system, a clean environment, and a healthier population in Pennsylvania and beyond. With support from federal, state and county governments, the organization has a tradition of bringing unbiased information and support to the citizens of Pennsylvania for more than 100 years.

Last Updated April 15, 2021

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