James Connors named associate dean, academic programs director for College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences

James Connors has been selected to serve as the new associate dean and director of academic programs for the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at South Dakota State University. His appointment will begin Aug. 22.

“Dr. Jim Connors brings a wealth of leadership experience to the position,” said Joseph Cassady, South Dakota Corn Endowed Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. “His passion for education, international agriculture and FFA will be an asset to SDSU.”

Connors comes to the college with extensive teaching, research and Extension expertise, having earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in agricultural and extension education from Michigan State University with emphases in agribusiness, natural resources, teacher education, adult and continuing education and education administration.

Most recently, he spent the past 15 years of his career at the University of Idaho, where he served as a professor, the chair of the Department of Agricultural Education, Leadership and Communications in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, as well as interim state 4-H director. Prior to his time at the University of Idaho, Connors was a faculty member at The Ohio State University and the University of Arizona and spent five years as a vocational agriculture teacher in Michigan.

“Dr. Connors’ experience at multiple land-grant institutions will enable him to bring new perspectives to SDSU’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences,” Cassady said.

Additionally, Connors is a professional registered parliamentarian and has provided consulting and parliamentary services to many states’ FFA and education associations, as well as other state, national and international organizations.

Furthermore, he has led international activities and study abroad courses for several student groups to Ireland, Brazil and Costa Rica and participated in a variety of other global leadership and educational programs.

Having traveled through South Dakota often, Connors was aware of the strong agricultural industry throughout the state, which initially sparked his interest in the position.

“I’ve also known faculty and friends who have had experience at SDSU,” Connors said. “They all shared what a wonderful university and college it was to work at, and after researching the university and Brookings community, I was very excited to apply for the position.”

Connors is eager to work with the students, faculty and staff within the college to build up their knowledge, skills and appreciation for the agricultural industry. When asked about the goals he has for his new role, he said that he hopes to continue the strong tradition of challenging academics, student support and stakeholder outreach that his predecessors have established.

“I’m looking forward to working with the faculty, administrators and students to offer impactful undergraduate and graduate programs that are needed for the future leaders of agriculture in South Dakota, the nation and across the world,” Connors said.

Mary Christensen, academic advisor and coordinator of the agricultural leadership, education, communication and science program, was appointed to serve as the interim associate dean and director of academic programs for the college beginning June 22 and will continue to provide leadership in the role until Connors begins his appointment at SDSU in mid-August.