Jay Lillywhite, a professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business at New Mexico State University (NMSU), has been appointed associate dean and director of the Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES).
Lillywhite had been serving as interim associate dean for AES since January and was selected for the role permanently effective July 1. In this position, Lillywhite collaborates with college and university administrators, faculty, staff in the College of ACES, and university stakeholders.
Since December 2022, Lillywhite also served as assistant dean of economic development for the College of ACES. He has held roles such as department head of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business and the Department of Extension Economics since July 2015. Additionally, he co-directed the Center of Excellence in Sustainable Food and Agricultural Systems, focusing on business and social science-related efforts to support New Mexico’s post-harvest value-agricultural production.
“We are delighted with Dr. Jay Lillywhite’s appointment,” said Rolando Flores Galarza, dean of NMSU College of ACES. “Jay brings a deep understanding of the College of ACES through his years of experience at different leadership positions in ACES, and a deep understanding of the role of agricultural and value-added research in New Mexico. He is well prepared to move AES forward fulfilling the mission of ACES as an engine for economic and community development in New Mexico through teaching, research, and Extension.”
“I am excited about the opportunity to more closely work with faculty, staff, and students conducting research in the College of ACES,” Lillywhite said. “The college has excellent faculty, staff, and students who are conducting cutting-edge multidisciplinary research addressing real-world problems. The research is having significant impacts on New Mexico and beyond.”
AES is the principal research unit within the College of ACES consisting primarily of scientists working on facilities located on NMSU's Las Cruces campus along with 12 agricultural science centers across New Mexico. AES personnel collaborate with other university research units as well as state and federal agencies to conduct impactful research benefiting New Mexican citizens.
AES supports problem-solving research aimed at improving lives globally. For more information visit https://aes.nmsu.edu/.
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PHOTO CAPTION: New Mexico State University professor Jay Lillywhite has been named associate dean and director of AES in the College of Agricultural, Consumer & Environmental Sciences. (NMSU photo by Josh Bachman)
IMAGE DESCRIPTION: Man standing next to a pond