EAST LANSING, Mich. � Thomas Coon has been named director of Michigan State University Extension (MSUE), the university�s statewide outreach organization that offers access to knowledge and lifelong learning resources to residents in communities throughout Michigan. Jeffrey D. Armstrong, dean of the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR), announced today that the appointment will become effective March 1, 2005, pending confirmation by the United States Department of Agriculture.
�We�re really pleased that Tom has accepted this important position,� said MSU President Lou Anna Kimsey Simon. �With his background, experience and commitment to building on our partnerships around the state, he will provide innovative and strong leadership for Michigan State University Extension.�
Coon, a member of the MSU faculty since 1989, was selected following an extensive national search. Since September 2002, he has served as associate dean for Graduate and International Programs for the college.
He will replace Margaret Bethel who was acting director, then director of MSUE for more than four years.
�We owe Maggie Bethel an enormous debt of gratitude for her tremendous dedication and the excellent work that has characterized her tenure as director,� said Jeff Armstrong, dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. �As we move through these tenuous times, Tom Coon�s energy, passion, administrative experience and vision will help ensure the future success of MSU Extension - preparing society for the new economy while maintaining our land-grant ideals that foster quality, inclusiveness and connectivity.�
During Bethel�s administration, MSU Extension focused resources to meet the needs of Michigan communities despite significant budgetary pressure. Under her leadership, MSUE undertook a process to identify key issues and deploy its resources to address focal areas of importance to the people of Michigan: building strong communities, strengthening agricultural profitability, encouraging responsible land use, building healthy families and helping youth succeed.
Bethel has been part of MSU Extension's core administrative leadership team for more than ten years and has served MSU Extension in various capacities for more than 28 years.
�While a number of quality candidates surfaced during our national recruiting efforts, the search committee felt that Dr. Coon possesses those unique administrative qualities and land-grant philosophy that will strengthen Extension programs for the future,� said Lynn Harvey, chair of the MSUE director search committee.
Coon has served MSU, the college and the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife in many capacities throughout his 16 years with the university. Prior to becoming associate dean, he was as a professor and associate chair in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, and served as acting department chairperson from 1999 to 2001. He has an extensive background in teaching and research, and serves in numerous professional societies concerned with aquatic habitat, wildlife ecology and fisheries.
Coon has also served on many college and university committees. He participated in the Liberty Hyde Bailey Scholars program from 1997 to 2002, and received a Phi Kappa Phi Excellence Award for Interdisciplinary Scholarship in 2000 as a member of the team that developed the program. He was also elected to Phi Kappa Phi in 2000. He received the Distinguished Service Award from the American Fisheries Society in 1998; a Distinguished Faculty Teaching Award from Alpha Zeta Society, Kedzie Chapter in 1994; an Outstanding Faculty Award by the University of Missouri School of Forestry, Fisheries and Wildlife Student Council in 1988; and the Distinguished Faculty Award from the MSU ANR Alumni Association in 2003.
Coon holds an M.S. and Ph.D. in ecology from the University of California-Davis, and a B.A. summa cum laude in biology from Luther College, Decorah, Iowa. He and his wife, Rhonda, live in Williamston with their two children, Charlie and Robbie.