Following the recent resignation announcement of Oklahoma State University’s Vice President, Dean and Director of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, farmers and ranchers are reflecting on the impressive OSU career of Robert Whitson.
“We greatly appreciate his leadership and vision,” said Oklahoma Farm Bureau President Mike Spradling. “I consider Bob a close friend and I will miss his wit and wisdom.”
Since 2005, Whitson has served as dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and also vice president/director of the two state agencies administered through the division: the Oklahoma Agricultural Experiment Station and the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service.
Under Whitson’s leadership, CASNR has experienced a significant increase in enrollment and helped the division strengthen its land-grant university mission.
“In a rural, agriculture state it is important to have someone of Bob’s abilities who understands our culture and industry,” Spradling said. “We depend on Oklahoma State University from an education, research and extension standpoint to improve the lives of our citizens. Bob has been a major factor in moving Oklahoma agriculture and OSU forward during his tenure.”
Whitson plans to officially step down at the end of July 2012. The OSU Provost is seeking input from Oklahoma Farm Bureau as the selection process for a new dean begins.
