12-19 IAN U of I Dean

John Hammel will close out his time as the dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences this month after nine years in the position to pursue full-time teaching and research opportunities. Hammel joined the University of Idaho in November 1982 as a professor of soil physics after serving on the faculty at the University of Georgia in Athens. In April 1998, he had served as associate dean and director of academic programs and was appointed dean in January 2004. 

 Rick Waitley, executive director of Food Producers of Idaho, said, “John Hammel stepped up to provide excellent leadership to the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences during a difficult time. He was an effective advocate for the University of Idaho and for Idaho agriculture. He successfully found ways to create and build partnerships that benefitted both…John is happiest whenever he has a chance to interact with and help students as a faculty adviser and researcher.”  I asked University of Idaho Media Contact: Karen Hunt Dr. Hamill’s reason for leaving: “I cannot speak to that but I know that we are going to open up a national search.

Agriculture now ranks as Idaho’s largest single industry and provides a solid foundation for the state’s economy. The College of Agricultural and Life Sciences continues to conduct research, teach students and extend science-based knowledge to benefit people in Idaho, the United States and the world.