UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Daney G. Jackson, Associate Professor And Personnel Leader For Ohio State University Extension, Has Been Named Associate Director Of Penn State Cooperative Extension, Effective Immediately.

"During his 17 years in extension, Daney has demonstrated outstanding leadership and a talent for building effective coalitions," says Theodore Alter, Penn State associate vice president for outreach and director of cooperative extension. "His success in shaping the human resource functions of a large state extension system, combined with his experience in regional extension administration and in conducting educational programs in the field, makes him uniquely qualified to help lead our organization during this time of economic uncertainty."

Jackson will provide leadership for the day-to-day operations of Penn State Cooperative Extension and will be a key member of the College of Agricultural Sciences administrative team. He will assist the director of cooperative extension in facilitating collaboration across the College of Agricultural Sciences and with other colleges and outreach units of the university.

Cooperative extension, with offices in each of Pennsylvania's 67 counties, transfers research-based information to individuals, families, businesses and communities through nonformal educational programs designed to meet locally identified needs.

Jackson began his extension career in 1985 with Mississippi State University, serving as a 4-H youth agent in Hancock County, Miss. From 1987 to 1991, he was an agriculture and natural resources extension agent in Lauderdale County, Miss.

After a year as a graduate associate at Ohio State University Extension's Ohio Center for Action on Coalition Development, Jackson returned to Mississippi Cooperative Extension, serving Lauderdale and Kemper counties as an area extension agent for forestry and horticulture from 1992 to 1994. Jackson joined Ohio State University Extension as director of the 16-county South District in 1995. After being named statewide personnel leader in 2000, he directed the organization's human resources functions, including needs assessment, job analysis, job design, performance management, recruitment, hiring, compensation and benefits.

Jackson is a member of several professional organizations, including the national extension honorary society Epsilon Sigma Phi, the Society for Human Resource Management, the National Association of County Agricultural Agents and the National Association of Extension 4-H Agents, which recognized him with its 1993 Achievement in Service Award.

Jackson received dual bachelor's degrees (forestry, banking and finance) and a master's degree (extension education) from Mississippi State University in 1984 and 1990, respectively. He earned his doctorate in agricultural education from The Ohio State University in 1994.

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EDITORS: Theodore Alter can be reached at 814-863-3438.

Contact:

Chuck Gill cdg5@psu.edu 814-863-2713 814-863-9877 fax #115