Dean Bartell rteps down as ag college dean

Dr. Daniel P. Bartell will step down as dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology at California State University, Fresno in the spring of 2006, bringing to a close his 14-year tenure directing the university’s acclaimed programs in agriculture.

Bartell will remain on the faculty and looks forward to continuing to participate in several initiatives currently under way at Fresno State. He will remain dean of the college during the search for his replacement, and then will be on administrative leave in 2006-07.

“Dean Bartell has directed Fresno State’s agricultural education during a time of dynamic change and growth in the industry,” said Fresno State Provost Jeronima Echeverria. “Through it all, Dan has helped Fresno State be recognized nationally and internationally for innovation while keeping our program relevant to the needs of the ag industry."

After the transition, Bartell will be involved in such projects as the development of the planned Institute of Food and Nutrition Innovation, enhancement of the university’s celebrated viticulture and enology program and continued development of the International Center for Water Technology. Bartell also plans to advocate for agricultural educational issues at the state and federal level.

As dean of a college which contributes to the continued growth of the world’s premiere agricultural region, Bartell has been instrumental in the development of numerous initiatives in a wide variety of endeavors ranging from developing new degree programs to enhancing opportunities for faculty to do applied research. He successfully led efforts to develop a commercial winery which, through the sale of Bulldog Wine, supports scholarships and student activities. Fresno State is the only university in the nation which has such a program.

Bartell also actively supports the Future Farmers of America and the State Leadership Conference, which is held in Fresno and attracts 5,000 student participants each year. He will be honored in late October by the National FFA with its highest award for distinguished service.

He traces his career in education from 1968, when he began as an instructor of biology at Davis and Elkins College in West Virginia. His scholarship in the field of entomology and administrative expertise took him to positions at the University of Illinois, Texas Tech University, Montana State University and Oklahoma State University.

While serving as Fresno State’s dean he was active in several state and national organizations. He served as chair of the Dean’s Council of the California Ag Leadership Program, president of the American Association of State Colleges of Agriculture and Renewable Resources and a member of the Policy Board of Directors for the National Association of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges.