A nationwide search began in January to find a replacement for Mississippi State's retiring vice president for agriculture, forestry, and veterinary medicine.

Foil

R. Rodney Foil, vice president for the past 13 years and a Mississippi State administrator for 30 years, will conclude his career at MSU on June 30.

President Malcolm Portera said he hopes to have Foil's successor named by that time.

"This is a critical position for Mississippi State and for all of Mississippi," he said. "The research, service, and teaching performed by the Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine has a direct and far-reaching impact on a major segment of our state's economy."

Portera appointed Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs George Rent to head a search committee.

A Bogalusa, La., native, Foil was a faculty member for 11 years at Louisiana State University before coming to MSU. He holds bachelor's and master's degrees from LSU.

A doctoral graduate in forestry from Duke University, he joined MSU in 1969 as head of the Forestry Department. He went on to serve as dean of the School of Forest Resources and, in 1978, was named director of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station.

Portera said, "Rodney Foil's contributions over the past three decades have been a key ingredient in the transformation of agriculture- and forestry-related enterprises in our state.

"Mississippi's agriculture and forestry sector is more productive and efficient than ever before, and the research and service provided with his leadership have been important factors in bringing that about, along with expanded services in 4-H youth development and family and consumer education."

The Division of Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine includes the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, the MSU Extension Service, the Forest and Wildlife Research Center, and the Office of International Programs.