Image Credit: Edwin Remsberg
The College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Maryland is pleased to announce Dr. Stephen Wright as the new Associate Dean/Associate Director of University of Maryland Extension (UME). Wright began his new post with UME on January 30.
Wright comes to Maryland from The Ohio State University where he held the position of Regional Director and Associate Department Chair of Extension. In this role, Wright had oversight of 29 counties, worked collaboratively with Extension employees, numerous advisory committee members, volunteer stakeholders, public officials and other community leaders.
“As the national Extension system commemorates its 100th anniversary this year, the College of AGNR is pleased to welcome someone with Dr. Wright’s experience to lead University of Maryland Extension into another successful 100 years,” says Cheng-i Wei, Dean of the College of AGNR.
In accepting this position, Wright is truly returning to his roots, both at the university and in the state of Maryland. A native of Baltimore, he earned an undergraduate degree in geography, a master’s in urban studies and a Ph.D. in agricultural and extension education from UMD.
“I had always hoped that someday I would make it back to my home state,” says Wright. “To take the passion I have for Extension and to channel that energy and passion into improving programs in the state of Maryland is a feeling I can’t express. It’s a wonderful opportunity for me.”
Wright will take over the reins at UME from Dr. Daniel Kugler who has served as Acting Associate Dean/Associate Director since August of 2012, following the departure of Dr. Nick Place.
“People before me have laid a tremendous foundation and I want to make sure I continue to strengthen that foundation,” says Wright.
