Ron Walcott has been named the University of Georgia’s inaugural vice provost for graduate education and dean of the Graduate School. In this role, he will work with schools and colleges across campus to enhance the recruitment, support and success of graduate students.
“I am honored by the confidence that my colleagues have shown in me by selecting me for this role,” Dr. Walcott said. “This position represents the ideal opportunity for me to continue to serve UGA’s graduate students and the graduate education community. I eagerly look forward to working with all stakeholders to advance UGA’s graduate education enterprise.”
Dr. Walcott is a professor in the department of plant pathology and has served as interim dean of the Graduate School since September 2019. He was named associate dean of the Graduate School in 2017. Dr. Walcott previously served as graduate coordinator in the department of plant pathology and as the assistant dean for diversity and multiculturalism in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. He began his academic career at the University of Georgia in 1999 as an assistant professor and earned the rank of full professor in 2012.
Professor Walcott’s research focuses on pathogens that affect commercially important vegetables. He is the co-author of two books in the field of plant pathology.
Dr. Walcott holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in plant pathology from Iowa State University. He earned a Ph.D. in plant pathology from the University of Georgia.
