By Faith Peppers
University of Georgia

In an effort to streamline administration, J. Scott Angle, dean
and director of the University of Georgia College of Agricultural
and Environmental Sciences, announced major changes today in the
college’s administrative structure.

“For the past several years there has been concern about the size
and alignment of the upper administration of this college,” Angle
said. “I have taken steps today to begin to address the issue.”

Jerry Cherry, associate dean for research, and Mel Garber,
associate dean for extension, resigned today. The two positions
will be combined, and a national search will begin immediately to
find a suitable candidate to become associate dean for research
and extension.

“The size, structure and effectiveness of the college
administration were among the main issues I faced when I came
here in August as dean,” Angle said. “Both Drs. Cherry and Garber
have provided outstanding leadership to the college. But after
eight months of observing how the college functions, I have made
some hard decisions today that will help us work more efficiently
in the future.”

While the search is conducted, Bob Shulstad, currently assistant
dean for research, and Beverly Sparks, currently assistant dean
for extension, will be given the title of interim associate dean
and will work together to administer the Agricultural Experiment
Stations and Cooperative Extension, respectively. These actions
are effective April 17.

(Faith Peppers is a news editor for the University of Georgia
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences.)