Rob Kallenbach, assistant dean for Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension, has been named the interim associate dean/senior program director of Agriculture and Environment Extension in the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources at the University of Missouri. His appointment was effective October 1.

“This position has statewide responsibility for Extension programs in agriculture and the environment – and Dr. Kallenbach is the ideal person to fill the role,” said CAFNR Vice Chancellor and Dean Christopher Daubert. “Dr. Kallenbach will be responsible for continuing the collaborative relationship between CAFNR and MU Extension to serve Missourians, expanding on his leadership responsibilities across CAFNR.”

Kallenbach joined the University of Missouri in 1998 as an assistant professor and state Extension specialist in forage crops. Throughout his career at Mizzou, Kallenbach has received several honors, including the National Excellence in Extension award given by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, recognizing him as the top Extension educator in the nation. He has been the assistant dean for Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension since 2015. As assistant dean, he has led the development, implementation and evaluation of MU Extension programs in agriculture and natural resources, statewide.

“I’m incredibly excited to move into this new role and continue to serve Missourians,” Kallenbach said. “I look forward to strengthening an already strong relationship between CAFNR and MU Extension.”

Kallenbach received his bachelor’s degree from Southwest Missouri State University in agronomy. His master’s degree and Ph.D. were both in agronomy as well, coming from MU and Texas Tech University, respectively. Kallenbach worked as a field crops advisor in Cooperative Extension at the University of California for three years before joining MU.

“Dr. Kallenbach’s knowledge and collaborative skills make him an excellent choice for this position’” said Marshall Stewart, MU Vice Chancellor for Extension and Engagement. “I have great confidence in his ability to benefit the people of Missouri as he continues strengthening MU Extension programming.”