Barry Dunn, dean of the South Dakota State University College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences and director of SDSU Extension, announced the appointment of Rosie Nold as agriculture and natural resources program director for SDSU Extension, pending the approval of the South Dakota Board of Regents.

“I look forward to working with her as she begins this new role in providing leadership to the capstone program areas of competitive livestock systems, competitive cropping systems and rural/urban initiatives,” Dunn said.

Nold brings a variety of Extension experiences with her to this new position. She began her Extension career in 1990 as an Extension agent in agriculture and 4-H for South Dakota Extension based in Brookings County. In 1998, she assumed a new position as the Extension youth livestock specialist for the University of Nebraska Extension system. In 2007, Nold returned to South Dakota, accepting the position as north district supervisor for SDSU Extension.

Most recently, Nold has provided valuable leadership to the 2011 Extension reorganization process. Last spring, SDSU announced that 99 employees would be laid off from the Extension as part of the reorganization that takes effect in October. The restructuring plan calls for SDSU Extension to establish seven regional extension centers across the state staffed by extension field specialists, a new job classification. Extension educators will no longer be located in county extension offices, and the position of educator will cease to exist. Current appointments for all county extension educators will terminate on Oct. 21 following the conclusion of the 4-H year, Achievement Days and State Fair.

Though 99 people have been let go, only 17 job positions have been deleted. With the restructuring, 82 positions will need to be filled, and a national search is being conducted.

During this transition period, Nold has agreed to continue her north district Extension supervisor duties in addition to her program director responsibilities until Oct. 21.

In her new role, Nold will be responsible to provide guidance to programming that will occur within SDSU Extension, specific to the areas of competitive livestock systems, competitive cropping systems and rural/urban initiatives. She will ensure that the work of faculty and field specialists is moving in the right direction and focused on addressing the issues and needs brought forth by South Dakota producers and industry groups.

“Rosie’s understanding of, and background in, Extension was very helpful in understanding the challenges and opportunities we face going into the recent Extension reorganization,” said Karla Trautman, associate director of SDSU Extension. “She understands the value and role stakeholders and industry play in SDSU Extension and has a strong grasp of how important partnerships are as we address the issues and needs of South Dakota agriculture.”

Portions courtesy of sdstate.edu/news