UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- J. Marcos Fernandez, Associate Dean For Student Services In The College Of Agriculture At Louisiana State University, Has Been Named Associate Dean For Undergraduate Education In Penn State's College Of Agricultural Sciences. The Appointment Is Effective March 1.

Reporting to the dean of the college, the associate dean for undergraduate education supports faculty and staff excellence in teaching and advising; coordinates student recruitment and retention programs; leads curricular revitalization efforts and enhances globalization of teaching and learning activities; and administers and expands the college's scholarship programs.

"Marcos Fernandez combines a superior record of teaching and research with exceptional knowledge of academic affairs and student services," says Robert Steele, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences. "His experience and energy make him the right person to help us continue our efforts to revitalize our curricula, reinvigorate recruiting and help prepare well-rounded, global-ready students."

As associate dean at LSU since 2001, Fernandez has overseen all student-related matters for a college of 1,600 undergraduates enrolled across 13 academic programs. His office administers student recruitment and retention, scholarships and awards, advising, academic discipline, student clubs and organizations, study abroad opportunities and undergraduate curriculum.

Fernandez joined the LSU faculty as assistant professor of animal science in 1991. He was promoted to associate professor in 1994 and earned the rank of full professor in 1999. From 1986 to 1991, he served as assistant research professor at Langston University in Langston, Okla.

Fernandez earned a bachelor's degree in agricultural science from Illinois State University in 1980. From 1981 to 1986, he was a research and teaching assistant at the University of Tennessee and at North Carolina State University while earning master's and doctoral degrees, respectively, in animal science. His research has focused on metabolism and nutrition in livestock species, including cattle, sheep and goats. He has published nearly 70 articles in refereed scientific journals, 10 invited papers, more than 180 abstracts in proceedings from scientific meetings and more than 60 articles in the popular press, trade journals and bulletins.

Fernandez has taught several introductory and advanced agriculture and animal science courses and has been recognized with numerous teaching awards and honors. He has been active in many professional organizations, university committees and governmental panels.

Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences (http://www.cas.psu.edu) is one of the leading colleges of agriculture in the nation, with more than 2,100 undergraduate students. The college offers 18 majors, 21 minors, three two-year programs and three certificate programs. The college's scholarship program is the largest in the university with $1.6 million awarded in 2003 to 630 students.

With 12 academic units and cooperative extension offices in each of Pennsylvania's 67 counties, the college's major educational and research thrusts include the food and agriculture system, natural resources and the environment, life sciences, economics and community development, and children, youth and families.

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