Agricultural Sciences

Buchholz named to direct business operations for Penn State Extension

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Extension has named Stephen Buchholz, formerly vice president for institutional effectiveness and advancement at Western Dakota Technical Institute in Rapid City, South Dakota, as associate director for business operations.

The appointment is part of recently announced changes to Penn State Extension's organizational structure, product development and program delivery. Buchholz joins Tara Mondock, associate director for client relations; Jeffrey Hyde, associate director for programs; and Dennis Calvin, director of Penn State Extension, on the organization's executive leadership team.

In his new post, Buchholz oversees the business operations managers in Penn State Extension's 10 areas across the state in the administration of county extension offices. The business operations team is working to standardize systems and procedures throughout the organization, with an eye toward increasing efficiency and effectiveness in areas such as financial and risk management, human resources, information technology, and other functions.

A Pennsylvania native, Buchholz earned a bachelor's degree in mass communication/journalism from Mansfield University of Pennsylvania before working for seven years as a newspaper reporter in Elmira, New York, and Rapid City, South Dakota.

He transitioned from journalism to a career in higher education in 2000, serving as public information manager for the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, a science and engineering university. In 2005, he joined Western Dakota Tech, working as marketing director for eight years and as dean of accreditation and advancement for three years before rising to the position of vice president.

Buchholz's higher education experience has encompassed business operations, marketing, public relations, accreditation, program development, fundraising, institutional effectiveness and strategic planning. He holds a master's degree in administrative studies/human resources from the University of South Dakota and currently is pursuing a doctorate in business administration.

"Stephen Buchholz's wide-ranging experience at institutions that focus on practical, technical education dovetails with Penn State Extension's mission of providing research-based educational programs and products to those who can put that knowledge to work in their own communities," said Calvin. "His expertise will be an important asset in helping us to enhance our network for program delivery in counties across Pennsylvania."

Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and state and county governments, Penn State Extension shares unbiased, research-based information with individuals, families, businesses and communities through nonformal educational programs designed to meet locally identified needs.

Last Updated July 3, 2017

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