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Published on 04/29/96

Jordan Steps Down as Extension Service Head

C. Wayne Jordan, head of the University of Georgia Extension Service for the past eight years, announced April 17 in Athens that he will leave the position May 1.

Jordan will accept a new appointment within the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

CAES Dean Gale Buchanan approved "with regret" Jordan's request to end his term as Associate Dean for Extension and Senior Associate Director of the UGA Extension Service.

On April 18, Buchanan announced Robert A. Isaac's appointment as Interim Associate Dean for Extension and Senior Associate Director, effective May 1.

Jordan, whose academic and research background includes soil testing, pesticide residue analysis and forage evaluation, will oversee the central operations of the Agricultural Services Laboratory. He will direct construction, which will begin soon, to expand the lab.

"As coordinator of the Agricultural Services Laboratories and professor on the staff, Dr. Jordan will continue to make important contributions to the college and to the agricultural industry of Georgia," Buchanan said.

"During his tenure as head of the Cooperative Extension Service, he has faced extraordinary challenges," he said. "(Jordan) skillfully led his agency through a drastic 33-percent cut in state resources while maintaining a high level of service throughout the state."

University President Charles B. Knapp expressed appreciation for Jordan's "considerable contributions to the University of Georgia."

Knapp added, "Wayne Jordan has demonstrated outstanding administrative skills, and care and concern for Extension Service employees while managing a severe cut in appropriations imposed by the General Assembly in 1991."

Knapp said he understands Jordan's desire to seek this reassignment. But he expects that he "will continue to provide service to the college as it develops its plans for Georgia's agricultural industry in the 21st century."

Isaac has been Associate Director of Extension since 1993. He directed agriculture and natural resources programs.

He headed the Agricultural Services Lab from 1987 to 1992. He was an Extension analytical chemist in the Soil Testing and Plant Analysis Lab from 1968 to 1987.

"Bob Isaac brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in agriculture to this position," Buchanan said. "In this capacity, he will help focus our Extension efforts to more effectively serve Georgia agriculture."

Isaac earned his bachelor's degree in 1958 from the College of Charleston. His master's (1962) and Ph.D. (1966) degrees in analytical chemistry are from Clemson University.

"We are fortunate to have someone with Dr. Isaac's leadership skills and experience to step into this important role," said UGA President Charles B. Knapp. "During this interim period, I am confident that Extension Service programs will move forward under his direction."

Tom Crocker is a horticulturist with the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.

Experts/Sources:
Gale A. Buchanan Dr.
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