Contact: Kimberly Osborne (304) 766-3363 kosborne@wvstateu.edu
INSTITUTE, W.Va. As West Virginia State University (WVSU) continues to expand its outreach portfolio, Vice President Orlando F. McMeans has named Dr. Ami M. Smith Associate Vice President for Public Service and Director of WVSU Extension Service.
“For 15 years, I have served as Director of WVSU Extension Service and looked for the time to pass this role to the appropriate and qualified individual. Dr. Smith is that person,” McMeans said. “As an alumna of the University, she is passionate about the land-grant mission and historical significance of West Virginia State.”
As associate vice president, Smith will assist in developing, maintaining and showcasing WVSU’s outreach, public service and extension activities. Smith currently serves on the Charleston Main Streets West Side Board of Advisors, provides leadership over the WVSU Economic Development Center on Charleston’s West Side and manages an Extension staff that conducts programs in 39 counties, which benefit more than 15,000 West Virginians annually.
“I am excited for the opportunity to help further WVSU’s mission of public service and look forward to continuing to work with the passionate and talented individuals on our Extension Service team,” Smith said.
Smith has served as associate dean and associate director of WVSU Extension Service since December 2013. Her previous positions at the University include director and program leader of the Center for the Advancement of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; and assistant research professor and postdoctoral scientist for the Agricultural and Environmental Research Station. She obtained a Ph.D. in Biosciences from the University of Exeter and a B.S. in Biology from WVSU.
Smith, with the assistance of McMeans, will also provide research leadership at WVSU until the vacant Associate Vice President for Research position is filled.
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