School of Agriculture, Research, Extension and Applied Sciences announces new dean
Alcorn State University School of Agriculture, Research, Extension and Applied Sciences has added a seasoned veteran at the helm to lead the school to new levels of excellence.
Dr. Ivory W. Lyles began his appointment as interim dean and director of land-grant programs Monday, November 10.
Lyles brings extensive administrative and leadership experience from previous assignments in higher education. As a successful resource developer and supervisor of finances at the University of Arkansas, he raised more than $25 million in eight and a half years. He managed operating budgets in excess of $75 million and utilized his skills to help organizations face financial challenges head on.
Lyles started his career with Mississippi State University Extension Service as a county agent in Philadelphia, Miss. He has worked for The Ohio State University as a professor teaching agricultural and extension education, University of Tennessee as district director of extension, Tennessee State University as extension administrator, and retired from the University of Arkansas as associate vice president for agriculture/director of extension.
Lyles graduated from Alcorn in 1980 with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture economics. He completed his master’s degree in agriculture economics and extension education at Mississippi State University in 1984. He earned his doctorate in agriculture education at The Ohio State University in 1991.
Dr. Lyles anticipates a solid work environment with people who have the School’s success as their top priority.
“I look forward to serving the School of Agriculture, Research, Extension and Applied Sciences and my alma mater,” said Dr. Lyles. “My key priorities are to develop a team atmosphere, bring in active alumni groups and our constituents to engage in recruitment and retention efforts. We need to assess our issues, concerns and opportunities, and identify resources for development to move us forward to new levels of excellence.”
