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Purdue names new dean for College of Agriculture

Karen Plaut has been named dean of the Purdue University College of Agriculture.

Plaut, who has been serving as interim dean since former dean Jay Akridge became Provost, will begin her role on May 21.

In an email to Purdue College of Agriculture faculty in staff, Akridge says Plaut will bring leadership experience to the role.

He mentions her previous roles as senior associate dean of research and faculty affairs and director of agricultural research for Purdue. She also served as chair of the Department of Animal Sciences at Michigan State and the University of Vermont.

Plaut received her Bachelor of Science degree in animal science from the University of Vermont. She also received a Master of Science degree in animal nutrition at Pennsylvania State University and a doctoral degree in animal science at Cornell University.

Indiana leaders say they are pleased with the announcement.

Randy Kron, the president of Indiana Farm Bureau, says the new role is much-deserved and he looks forward to supporting her in the new role that is critical to developing future ag leaders.

Indiana State Department of Agriculture Director Bruce Kettler says Plaut is uniquely qualified to lift up all sectors of Indiana agriculture and continue to grow Purdue’s agriculture program.