Sutton resident and beef geneticist Ronnie D. Green has been named University of Nebraska Vice President and Harlan Vice Chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources at UNL.
Green, Global Technical Services senior director at Pfizer Animal Health, will begin his work at the university July 19 pending approval by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents.
"I see this as a phenomenal opportunity to serve the people of the state of Nebraska and beyond," Green said. "The global possibilities for the institute at this time in its history are remarkable. The Global Water for Food Institute and Nebraska Innovation Campus are two noteworthy projects that will make a lasting positive contribution to the state and the world. The opportunity to be a part of those initiatives as well as to continue to evolve the important research and outreach of the university is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to help transform our world."
Green has most recently served as senior director, animal genetics global technical services for Pfizer Animal Health. From 2003-08, he was national program leader in Food Animal Production at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service after serving as vice president of cattle operations and assistant vice president and director of genetic operations for Future Beef Operations. From 1994-2000 he was professor of animal science at Colorado State University and assistant professor of animal science at Texas Tech University (1988-94). He also is the incoming 2010-11 president of the American Society of Animal Science.
Green earned a bachelor's degree in animal science at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, a master's in animal science at Colorado State, and a Ph.D. in animal science at UNL. He was a graduate assistant from 1985-88 at UNL.
NU president James B. Milliken said Green's combination of private-sector and academic experience makes him a good fit for the position.
"Dr. Green brings important experience, both at USDA and in the private sector, as well as a strong background in the cattle industry and a respected academic career," Milliken said. "His background and experience will serve the university well in a position that depends on effective engagement among the university, state and federal government and the private sector."
UNL Chancellor Harvey Perlman said the search advisory committee identified several highly qualified candidates, and he thanked the committee for its work, particularly chairs Roger Wehrbein, president of the Agriculture Builders of Nebraska; and Stephen Baenziger, UNL professor of agronomy and horticulture.
"As part of the search committee, I know that we have world-class talent in Ronnie Green," Wehrbein said. "He is so committed to the successful future of Nebraska agriculture, and I am pleased that he is willing to take on the responsibilities and opportunities that come with this significant role."
IANR vice chancellor and president John Owens will return to faculty ranks June 30. Owens has been vice president and vice chancellor since January 2001.
"Ronnie Green knows production agriculture, he understands the science of agriculture, and he is familiar with the University of Nebraska," Perlman said. "He was the clear choice of the various stake holders, both within and outside the university, who have a strong commitment to the success of the Institute. I am very pleased we were able to convince Dr. Green to take this critical position."
Green, his wife, Jane Pauley Green, and daughters Kelli and Regan reside in Sutton and plan to have a home as well in Lincoln, where sons Justin and Nate are UNL students.
"Our family is excited about this new opportunity and are very pleased to be coming home to the University of Nebraska," Green said.
- By Kelly Bartling, University Communications