Edgar Named Assistant Dean for Bumpers College

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Leslie Edgar, Bumpers College assistant dean

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Leslie Edgar, associate professor and director of the Office of International Programs in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas, has been named assistant dean of the college.

Edgar is now assistant dean for student programs, which includes her previous duties as director of the Office of International Programs in addition to duties as director of the college’s Honors Program. She also remains a tenured professor of agricultural communications in the Department of Agricultural Education, Communications and Technology.

“I am very pleased to have Leslie expand her service to Bumpers College as director of the Honors Program,” said Dean Mike Vayda. “Leslie has involved and worked with faculty in setting the direction of the Office of International Programs, and was cited by search committee members as a caring colleague with great organizational skills. Her appointment enables synergistic opportunities for student research, honors work and international learning experiences.”

Edgar’s responsibilities include curriculum overview, promotion, additional international experience opportunities and increased access to funding.

“In my role as the director of international programs, I have had the opportunity to work closely with our Bumpers College faculty and department heads,” said Edgar, who completed the LEAD21 Class X leadership development program this year. “These working relationships continue to be the highlight of my international programs position. I enjoy working with the departments, faculty and students to assist them in finding success in programs of interest. I look forward to working with students and faculty to increase collaboration, opportunity, partnerships and promotion of our Honors Program.”

Edgar received her bachelor’s degree in animal science in 2000 and her master’s degree in agriculture systems, technology and education in 2002, both from Utah State University. She earned her doctorate in agricultural leadership, education and communications from Texas A&M University in 2007.

Edgar takes over the Honors Program from University Professor of horticulture Curt Rom, who was recently named associate dean of the Graduate School and International Education.

“I appreciate all the work Curt did and thank him for his service as director of our Honors Program,” said Vayda. “His dedication to our students was instrumental to the growth and development of our program.”

About the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences: Bumpers College provides life-changing opportunities to position and prepare graduates who will be leaders in the businesses associated with foods, family, the environment, agriculture, sustainability and human quality of life; and who will be first-choice candidates of employers looking for leaders, innovators, policy makers and entrepreneurs. The college is named for Dale Bumpers, former Arkansas governor and longtime U.S. senator who made the state prominent in national and international agriculture.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.