Delton Gerloff Named Department Head of Agricultural Economics
September 29, 2008
University of Tennessee Agricultural Economist Dr. Delton Gerloff is known for his expertise in farm and financial management and row crop marketing. Since February, he’s also been recognized for his leadership as the interim head of the Department of Agricultural Economics in UT’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
Now, after a comprehensive national search, Gerloff has been chosen to head the department, as well as serve as administrative leader of the Agricultural Leadership, Extension, and Communications unit.
“I appreciate the participation of faculty and staff in the search process and the efforts of the Search Advisory Committee members that resulted in this appointment,” said UT Vice President of Agriculture Dr. Joseph DiPietro in an e-mail broadcast to members of UT’s Institute of Agriculture. “We look forward to Dr. Gerloff's leadership, which we are confident will advance the department, institute and university.”
As head, Gerloff succeeds Dr. Dan McLemore, who served with distinction as head for 10-and-a-half years before returning to research and teaching. Gerloff earned a bachelor’s and master’s of science in Agricultural Economics from Oklahoma State University. He holds a Ph.D. in the field from Texas A&M University. He joined UT’s Department of Agricultural Economics in 1992.
The Department of Agricultural Economics is one of eight that comprise the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. The department offers undergraduate majors in food and agricultural business and natural resource and environmental economics. The majors prepare graduates for key roles in the U.S. agri-food system, and areas of management, marketing, logistics, finance or policy or to thrive in careers dedicated to wise use of land, water, and other natural resources. Graduate M.S. and Ph.D. programs focus on agricultural economics, agribusiness, and natural resource economics.
Through its Extension programs, the department develops, delivers, and evaluates current and relevant agricultural economics and resource development educational programs that aid citizens from all walks of life. The department’s focuses its research efforts on four high-priority issues: bioenergy, land use, water resources, and rural development. Its researchers have been key figures in advancing the Tennessee Biofuels Initiative.
The Agricultural Leadership, Extension, and Communications unit offers bachelor’s and master of science degrees to prepare students for careers in agricultural education and the agri-business industry—areas that are experiencing heavy demand.