CALS Names New Associate Dean and Director of Academic Programs

David Crouse has been named associate dean and director of Academic Programs for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at NC State University, effective June 10. 

“David Crouse has a proven track record in student recruitment, advising and ensuring successful graduation in his many years in leadership with the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences,” says Garey Fox, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “I am confident that he will guide and inspire our talented, dedicated team in Academic Programs as they manage all aspects of the student academic experience, and I look forward to his efforts in expanding our connections to community colleges and opening even more doors for students in rural communities across North Carolina to attend NC State.”

Crouse, the associate department head and director of undergraduate programs for the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, has been a member of the NC State faculty for more than 25 years. Beyond his teaching and leadership roles, he previously served as an Extension associate in animal waste management. Crouse earned his bachelor’s degree in horticultural science and his master’s and Ph.D. in soil science, all from NC State University.

“As a first-generation student and three-time graduate of NC State, I take pride in being a product of the land-grant university system,” Crouse says. “Attracting students to join CALS is just the beginning of our commitment to their success. I look forward to leading Academic Programs as we continue to integrate academic guidance with personalized mentorship and empower students to navigate the critical transition to university life, setting them up for success while they are at CALS and when they start careers.”

The associate dean and director is responsible for enhancing students’ overall experience and implementing strategies that support the Academic Programs Office and CALS, including programs for student recruitment, enrollment, access and success (high impact practice programs and remediation efforts). The position is also responsible for coordinating with the senior associate dean of administration, the associate deans for research and Extension, department heads, and faculty.

Crouse will succeed Interim Associate Dean Kim Allen, who has held this position since February 2022. Allen will return to the faculty later this year. 

“We are so grateful to Kim Allen for her steadfast leadership as interim associate dean and director these past two years. We are thrilled that she will continue her work with students as she returns to the faculty with a primary teaching appointment in the Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences,” Fox says.

This post was originally published in College of Agriculture and Life Sciences News.