MSU AgBioResearch Director George Smith Stepping Down in August to Become Dean at University of Arizona

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EAST LANSING, Mich. — George Smith, who has served as director of Michigan State University AgBioResearch and senior associate dean for research in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) since 2021, is stepping down Aug. 1 to pursue a new opportunity at the University of Arizona.

Smith has been named Charles-Sander Dean of the University of Arizona’s College of Agriculture,

Life & Environmental Sciences, continuing his dedication to the land-grant mission of research, teaching and outreach.

An announcement regarding interim AgBioResearch leadership, as well as details on the search for Smith’s replacement, will follow in the coming weeks.

“It’s been an honor to serve as AgBioResearch director, which I often refer to as the best job on campus,” Smith said. “The primary goal has always been to deliver solutions to the various problems facing agriculture and natural resources. Having the chance to interact with our scientists, legislators, industries, growers and producers has let me know that, in many ways, we’ve succeeded. But the work is not done.

“Michigan agriculture is incredibly unique due to its deep-rooted partnerships that foster a culture of collaboration and innovation. While agriculture and natural resources face a multitude of challenges in the future, I have no doubt that AgBioResearch is well-positioned to help solve these problems.”

As AgBioResearch director,

Smith has been responsible for the organization’s strategic direction, managing a $145 million budget, overseeing operations at 15 off-campus research stations and numerous on-campus facilities, and helping launch a series of new programs and infrastructure upgrades.

Legislative advocacy and strengthening agriculture and natural resources industry partnerships are hallmarks of his tenure, as he worked to secure funding that supports AgBioResearch’s more than 300 scientists.

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Michigan State University AgBioResearch scientists discover dynamic solutions for food systems and the environment. More than 300 MSU faculty conduct leading-edge research on a variety of topics, from health and agriculture to natural resources. Originally formed in 1888 as the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station, MSU AgBioResearch oversees numerous on-campus research facilities, as well as 15 outlying centers throughout Michigan. To learn more, visit agbioresearch.msu.edu.