Andra Johnson will be the next dean of the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension and director of the Florida Cooperative Extension Service. Dr. Johnson will assume the role on November 1.
Dr. Johnson will lead UF/IFAS’ statewide network of more than 650 faculty educators and scientists, whose programs and expertise support economic, environmental, and community health. These programs range from field days for new crops to youth leadership experiences.
Dr. Johnson grew up on a farm in rural Louisiana. His family raised cattle and grew cotton, corn, and wheat, and his aunt has worked for the USDA Forest Service for more than 30 years. Those early experiences motivated him to pursue a career in extension where he could bring the knowledge of the land-grant university to families like his who produce food, fuel, and fiber.
“I’m extremely excited and humbled about the opportunity to work with the amazing faculty, staff, and administrators here at UF/IFAS. This position is really about what we can do together to help improve the lives of all Floridians,” Dr. Johnson said.
Dr. Johnson has been serving as associate director of Pennsylvania State University Extension. Earlier in his career, he was assistant director of research and graduate research at Alcorn State University in Mississippi and vice chancellor for research and technology development at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Dr. Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree in urban forest management from Southern University. He holds a master’s degree and a doctorate in forest resources from Pennsylvania State University
