Steven Hanson, who has served as interim dean of Michigan State University’s International Studies and Programs for nearly a year, is the new ISP dean.
His appointment as associate provost and dean of International Studies and Programs was approved by the MSU Board of Trustees April 22. The appointment is effective immediately.
Hanson, who also is chairperson of the Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics, became assistant dean of ISP in 2009. In that role, he helped established MSU’s Office of International Research and Collaboration, which assists faculty in developing multidisciplinary proposals.
“After observing Steve perform as interim dean, having worked with him during that time and having watched him work with faculty and our many key stakeholders, I am confident that his leadership skills and vision will help us build on our many accomplishments and excel in ways for which MSU is uniquely positioned,” said MSU Provost June Youatt.
Hanson currently oversees the MasterCard Foundation Scholars Program, Tanzania Partnership Program and the Global Center for Food Systems Innovation.
During his time as chairperson of AFRE, the department built core strengths around integrated research, teaching and outreach programs in agri-food systems and bio-economy, global food systems and international development, environmental and natural resources, and regional development and strategic growth.
The department also doubled faculty publications in agricultural economics and economic journals, while also doubling enrollment in undergraduate programs. Hanson led efforts to diversify the department’s undergraduate programs and nearly tripled external funding support for graduate students.
As dean, Hanson will lead MSU’s international programming efforts, including multidisciplinary and multicollege research and strategic partnerships with higher education institutions abroad. He’ll work to earn external funding and recruit faculty who can address critical global issues such as health, education and food security and production.
“MSU has positioned itself to become the premiere world-grant university, an indispensable partner in global collaborations and a leader in addressing the world’s most pressing problems in areas such as food, health and nutrition, environment and energy, and education,” Hanson said. “I look forward to working with MSU’s leadership, faculty members and key stakeholders to make a difference in the lives of our students, the citizens of Michigan and people around the world.”
Hanson serves on the board of directors for the Partnership to Cut Hunger and Poverty in Africa and Midwest Universities Consortium for International Activities.
He received his Ph.D. in agricultural economics from Iowa State University.