Clemson Names Interim Dean of Agriculture College
July 29, 2009
CLEMSON, SC – July 29, 2009 – Thomas R. Scott, a professor in the animal and veterinary sciences department at Clemson University, has been named interim dean of the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences. He also will serve as interim associate vice president for Public Service and Agriculture.
“Dr. Scott has had a distinguished career at Clemson and has served the institution in many capacities, including four years as a director of the former School of Animal, Biomedical and Biological Sciences and, more recently, as chairman of the task force on administrative structure,” said Clemson Provost Doris Helms. “I am confident he will continue his commitment to his college and the university as he steps into this leadership role.”
Scott’s appointment is effective immediately. He replaces Alan Sams, who has accepted the position of executive associate dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University. Sams was a faculty member and administrator at Texas A&M for 20 years before coming to Clemson as dean in January 2007.
Scott came to Clemson in 1986 as an assistant professor in the poultry science department. He has a joint appointment to the biological sciences department. He has an active research program and is the recipient of numerous grants. He has three patents under review and expects to continue to conduct research, publish and mentor his graduate students during his interim term.
“The College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences is a cornerstone of Clemson University, and its programs typify the land-grant mission of the university, Scott said. The college’s teaching, research and public-service activities cover a diverse number of areas relevant to South Carolina. I look forward to leading the college into new areas of education that prepare our students for careers aligned with the issues and challenges for society.
“I am extremely honored to work with the college faculty, staff and students as interim dean, and I look forward to sharing our achievements with everyone throughout the state and beyond.”
Scott came to Clemson after completing his post-doctoral research in poultry science at Mississippi State University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in zoology and a master’s degree in poultry science from Louisiana State University, and received his Ph.D. in poultry science from the University of Georgia.
