VERNON- Dr. John Abernathy has been appointed interim resident director of research at the Texas A&M Research and Extension Center at Vernon effective today. Abernathy will continue to serve as resident director of Texas A&M Research and Extension Center at Lubbock, a position he has held since January of 1985.
Dr. Ed Hiler, vice chancellor and dean of agriculture and life sciences and director of the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station announced Abernathy’s appointment.
Abernathy takes over from Dr. Jerry Cox, who plans to return to research and Extension activities on the Vernon faculty as research professor and Extension specialist in range ecology and management. Cox has been resident director of research at the Vernon center for three years.
“We appreciate Dr. Cox’s contributions and offer our best wishes for continued success in his research and Extension activities,” Hiler said.
“The search for a permanent resident director will begin immediately, and we hope to complete the selection process as promptly as possible,” said Hiler. “I am confident the program at Vernon will continue its momentum under Dr. Abernathy’s leadership.”
Abernathy is a resident of Lubbock and a native of Altus, Okla., where his family continues its farm and ranching business. Abernathy joined the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station in 1973 as an assistant professor of weed physiology. He holds degrees in agriculture from Oklahoma State University and the University of Illinois.
A part of the Texas A&M University System, the Vernon facility includes satellite stations in Chillicothe and Munday. Texas Agricultural Experiment Station scientists at the center focus research in areas of concern to the Rolling Plains region of Texas, including wheat and other small grains breeding, brush and weed control, range animal nutrition and water quality.
Texas Agricultural Extension Service specialists at the Vernon center develop continuing education programs in agriculture and family and consumer sciences.
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