UT Extension Appoints Interim Assistant Dean

 University of Tennessee Extension has announced that Michael Buschermohle, a professor in the Department of Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, has accepted the position of interim assistant dean of UT Extension, effective immediately.

As interim assistant dean, Buschermohle will lead UT Extension’s programs in agricultural, natural resources and community economic development (ANR/CED).  In announcing the appointment, Robert Burns, Dean of UT Extension, praised Buschermohle as a highly effective Extension educator whose 27-year career with UT Extension has included implementing both agriculture and 4-H youth programming.

A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Buschermohle earned a B.S. degree in agricultural engineering from the University of Kentucky and he earned his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in agricultural engineering from Clemson University.  Buschermohle began his career with UT Extension in 1990 as an Electrical Power and Processing Specialist delivering educational programs in the areas of farmstead electrical systems, alternative energy systems, fencing systems and environmental control in livestock and greenhouse facilities. In 2004, Buschermohle assumed his current position as UT Extension Precision Agriculture Specialist. Over the last 13 years, Buschermohle has worked with extension agents, producers and agribusinesses in developing and disseminating educational programs that promote the adoption of precision agriculture technologies that enable row crop producers to increase production, reduce input costs and manage farmland more efficiently.

In a letter to staff announcing the appointment, Burns wrote, “I greatly appreciate Dr. Buschermohle’s willingness to serve in this role and hope you will join me in congratulating Mike on his appointment as Interim Assistant Dean. Please be assured that Dr. Buschermohle and I are committed to a smooth leadership transition.”  Burns directly managed UT Extension’s ANR/CED Program until his appointment as dean earlier this month.

“I am truly excited and honored to help lead Extension in Tennessee. We have strong, comprehensive programming and an excellent network of agents and specialists across the state, and I look forward to working with each of them,” Buschermohle said.

Buschermohle will serve as interim assistant dean until UT Extension completes a national search for a permanent member of its leadership team. The search is expected to begin later this year.