Margaret Bethel has been named interim director of Michigan State University Extension, replacing Thomas Coon, who recently took a position with Oklahoma State University.
Bethel served as MSU Extension director from 2001 to 2005 and will be the interim director on a temporary basis, said Fred Poston, dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Coon, MSU Extension director for the past decade, was recently named vice president, dean and director for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Oklahoma State University.
“I would like to thank Tom Coon for his many years of leadership here at MSU,” Poston said. “He helped MSU Extension navigate some extremely difficult financial times and served an important leadership role in the college.”
Additionally, Poston has announced Ray Hammerschmidt, professor of plant pathology and associate chairperson of the Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences, will serve as the interim associate director of MSU Extension.
Hammerschmidt replaces Stephen Lovejoy, who is stepping down from his role and will retain his faculty appointments in agriculture, food and resource economics, as well as in epidemiology and sociology.
“I would also like to thank Steve Lovejoy for his service,” Poston said. “His expertise helped us find our way through challenges facing MSU Extension. His passion for the mission of Extension is unparalleled.”
Bethel and Hammerschmidt begin working in their new roles on June 30.
“Having worked with both Maggie and Ray very successfully in the past, I am confident that they will help us build upon the solid foundation set by Tom and Steve,” Poston said.