Stewart named MU vice chancellor
Dr. Marshall Stewart, director of college leadership and strategy for NC State University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, has been named vice chancellor of extension and engagement at the University of Missouri, effective Aug. 15.
Noting that Stewart had made a “big difference” during his service to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, CALS’ Dean Richard Linton said, “The opportunity at the University of Missouri is a perfect match to his skill set and his leadership qualities. I know he will do very well in his new role. He has been a great asset for me and my team in the creation and implementation of our new college strategic plan.”
Linton added that Stewart has exhibited leadership at many levels for CALS — as a faculty member, program leader, department head and more recently as special assistant to the dean.
In his current position, Stewart has set up new and innovative leadership development programs for internal and external stakeholders by developing strategic partnerships and strengthening external relations with college policymakers. He established the Warren Leadership and Public Policy Program, a year-long program focused on food and agricultural issues for undergraduate students, and a leadership development program for faculty and staff. And he is developing a program to prepare stakeholders for public leadership opportunities.
Stewart also serves as the director of the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities’ (APLU) Food Systems Leadership Institute, where he provides executive leadership education for food and agriculture systems leaders in higher education and industry around the nation and the world.
Before becoming special assistant to the dean, Stewart served as associate director of the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service and department head and program leader of the State 4-H and Family and Consumer Sciences Program at NC State.
He holds three degrees from the university: a bachelor of science degree in agricultural education, a master of science degree in agricultural sciences and a doctorate of education degree in agricultural and extension education.
Officials at MU said they were excited about the skills and experience that Stewart will bring to his new position. MU Interim Chancellor Hank Foley said, “Over the course of his 30-year career in agricultural education and extension services, Dr. Stewart has served in many roles as an educator and leader of education and extension efforts. … I am looking forward to working with him as we advance Mizzou’s land-grant mission.”
Stephen Bell, chair of the search committee and associate professor of nutrition and exercise physiology, particularly noted Stewart’s communication skills.
“It was clear within minutes of meeting him that Dr. Stewart had the attributes that the search committee was looking for in a leader. He is an especially strong communicator. He is engaging, motivating, and brings a wealth of extension and leadership with him.”
Stewart will replace Linda “Jo” Turner, who has been serving as interim vice provost and director of extension since April 2016.
He said, “I’m very happy to be joining a great university that has great talent, great people and great leadership. Through my work, I have been exposed to Cooperative Extension divisions throughout the nation, and Mizzou has one of the best commitments to Extension that I have ever experienced. I’m looking forward to working with a team of exceptional people and building upon what is already great. The state of Missouri has a history of being very engaged with MU Extension, and I’m honored to join this team.”
— Staff Report
