MSU AgBioResearch director George Smith leaving for University of Arizona dean role

Michigan State University announced that George Smith, director of MSU AgBioResearch and senior associate dean for research in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, will step down from his roles in August to become dean of the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Arizona.

Smith has led MSU AgBioResearch since 2021 and has held research leadership positions within the university for over a decade. AgBioResearch supports approximately 300 scientists across seven MSU colleges and a statewide network of research centers focused on agriculture, food systems and natural resources.

An animal scientist by training, Smith joined the MSU faculty in 1997 and previously served as associate dean for research and associate director of AgBioResearch before being named director.

“It’s been an honor to serve as AgBioResearch director, which I often refer to as the best job on campus,” Smith said. “The primary goal has always been to deliver solutions to the various problems facing agriculture and natural resources. Having the chance to interact with our scientists, legislators, industries, growers and producers has let me know that, in many ways, we’ve succeeded. But the work is not done.”

MSU said it will begin the process of identifying leadership for AgBioResearch following Smith’s departure and details on the search for Smith’s replacement will follow in the coming weeks.

Read the full announcement over at canr.msu.edu.