Campus Life

Behring receives distinguished service award from international group

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Deanna Behring, director of international programs in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, recently received a distinguished service award from the Association for International Agriculture and Rural Development.

With almost 30 years of diverse, globally oriented service in the international arena, Behring has dedicated her career to public services that stimulate broad-based economic growth and sustainable development, and to improving the quality of life for people by enhancing global capacities to eliminate poverty, improve food security, and conserve and protect the environment, according to the association.

A past president of the association, Behring led the organization during its 50th anniversary year, helping to celebrate its past and set a strategic agenda for the future. She also has been on a mission to engage more young people in the association through several efforts, including fundraising for its Future Leaders Forum and the creation of the group's first-ever Job Workshop.

"Deanna's energy, creative thinking, team building and organizational skills have enabled her to make significant innovative contributions during the 13 years she has been involved in AIARD," according to the association.

During her career, Behring has served with the U.S. Agency for International Development in upgrading primary health care to promote maternal and child health in Asia, Africa and Latin America; analyzed international trade and finance issues for the Central Intelligence Agency; worked in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and for the National Security Council; served as international consultant to the Under Secretary for Technology at the U.S. Department of Commerce; and chaired the International Agriculture Section of the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities.

Behring received her doctoral degree in communication arts and sciences from Penn State, a master's degree in international economic development from Ohio University and a bachelor's degree in economics from Albion College.

Last Updated June 17, 2016

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