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Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Ralph J. Hexter issued the following statement on Aug. 28:

Chancellor Katehi and I were notified Tuesday morning (Aug. 28) by Neal Van Alfen that he has elected to resign as dean of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Dean Van Alfen, who has served admirably in that capacity for more than 13 years, has committed to work toward a smooth transition as we take steps to name an interim dean as quickly as possible.

Under Neal's leadership, a reorganization strengthened the college’s core departments; two major academic buildings and numerous smaller research facilities were added to campus; and funds were raised to create 14 new endowed chairs and faculty.

These investments, coupled with the outstanding work of college faculty, have established ºÙºÙÊÓƵ as a global leader in sustainability and related disciplines.

In short, Neal leaves CAES well poised for further excellence. The college, our oldest, is critical to our core mission and identity as a leading public research university making singular contributions to our state, our nation and the world.

At my request, Dean Michael Lairmore of the School of Veterinary Medicine will chair the Recruitment Advisory Committee to identify a permanent dean to build on the strong foundation established by Neal and his students, faculty and staff. 

To inform this important recruitment, the chancellor has asked me to assemble a team to imagine the evolving opportunities for our College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and to help determine what characteristics and attributes the new dean should possess.

Further information about the interim appointment and the recruitment process for the permanent dean will be provided soon.