KNOXVILLE — The University of Tennessee has named Dr. Joseph A. DiPietro as its new vice president for agriculture. He is currently the dean of the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
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Dr. Joseph A. DiPietro
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“Dr. Joseph DiPietro brings a world of experience to the University of Tennessee,” said UT President John Petersen. “He brings the leadership that will keep UT’s Institute of Agriculture positioned as a major component of economic development and outreach in every county of the state, and this will ensure UT’s continued success in fulfilling our land-grant mission.”
DiPietro will begin in his new role in late February.
He has served in his current position in Florida since 1997. Prior to that, he served as the associate dean for research at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and as the assistant director of that institution’s agricultural experiment station. In addition to his administrative background, he has conducted research on the epidemiology, control and treatment of parasitic diseases of livestock, specifically horses, cattle and swine.
“The Institute of Agriculture has a long tradition of providing outstanding educational programs, new knowledge and meaningful, relevant and helpful information to Tennesseans statewide regarding agricultural and forestry enterprises, human health, families and communities, the environment and natural resources and the veterinary profession and animal health,” said DiPietro. “I am excited about the opportunities this position presents and look forward to working with the faculty, staff and students as well as the agricultural and natural resource industries across the state.”
As UT’s vice president for agriculture, DiPietro will oversee the operations of the UT Institute of Agriculture, which includes the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, the College of Veterinary Medicine, the Tennessee Agricultural Experiment Station and UT Extension.
“Working at a great comprehensive land-grant university like UT is a privilege and a high calling,” said DiPietro. “It’s a place where every faculty member, every staff member, every student, and every alumnus can make a real difference.”
Chosen from 50 applicants and nominees for the position, DiPietro will succeed UT Associate Vice President for Development Buddy Mitchell, who has served as the interim vice president for agriculture during the search.
“Buddy’s service as interim vice president was critical to the success of this transition, and we thank him for his hard work,” said Petersen.
UT Chancellor Loren Crabtree chaired the search committee for the position. The vice president for agriculture position was vacated by Jack Britt in 2004 when he became UT’s Executive Vice President.
To learn more about the UT Institute of Agriculture, visit http://agriculture.tennessee.edu.
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Contacts:
Jay Mayfield (865-974-9409)
Patricia McDaniels (865-974-7141)
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