Pardue named dean at University of Georgia
Dr. Samuel Pardue, associate dean and director of academic programs for NC State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, has been named the new dean and director of the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.
Pardue’s appointment at UGA is effective March 14. NC State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences will name an interim associate dean and director of academic programs before the end of January. A search process will begin soon after.
When asked about his time at NC State, Pardue said, “I came to NC State in August of 1973 as an 18-year-old freshman from a small town in the foothills of North Carolina. Since that time I have spent all but eight years affiliated with the university as a student, faculty member and administrator. Like so many of my fellow alums, NC State profoundly influenced my life. It provided enumerable opportunities and helped shaped who I am. It is, and forever will be, a special place.”
From NC State, Pardue received a bachelor’s degree in poultry science in 1977, a master’s in physiology in 1979 and a Ph.D. in physiology in 1983. In 1986, he was appointed to the rank of assistant professor at Texas A&M University, and about four years later, he returned to NC State to join the faculty of the Department of Poultry Science as its undergraduate teaching coordinator.
Pardue has received national awards for student recruitment and outstanding teaching, was granted three patents, received more than $2.5 million in external grants and contracts, and published nearly 100 journal articles, book chapter and abstracts.
As a CALS administrator, Pardue facilitated more than $13 million in donations for academic programs, helped double the number of poultry science majors and expanded distance education offerings. In addition, he served as the co-principal investigator on a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant to increase the multicultural diversity of agriculture students and was a founding member of the college’s Diversity Council.
Dean of NC State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Richard Linton shared, “I am so happy for Sam and glad that he has an opportunity to lead a college of agriculture. Sam has done an exceptional job leading our academic programs office, and I am thankful for his leadership and passion for NC State. He will be missed. We have already discussed potential ways for UGA and CALS to work together in the future, and I look forward to exploring increasing the partnership between these universities.”
Pardue added that he and his wife, Stacy, “are excited about our next chapter at the University of Georgia’s College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. UGA shares many of the passions and values associated with NC State. I anticipate an easy transition from a wolf to a bulldog. Best of all, red will remain the dominate color in my wardrobe.”
– J. Brumfield
