Missouri State University has named Dr. Ronald Del Vecchio its new director of the Darr School of Agriculture.
Del Vecchio will assume the role on August 1. His appointment comes following a national search to replace longstanding director Dr. Anson Elliot, who retired last December.
In a statement, Dr. Frank Einhellig, provost at Missouri State, said, “We appreciate the leadership that Anson has provided over the years and the passion he has brought to the program at Missouri State. With his strong leadership the School of Agriculture has grown in every way, and it has become a magnet for attracting students focused on a future career related to the multiple aspects of agricultural science and business.”
As director, Del Vecchio will also be responsible for administration of facilities associated with the School of Agriculture. That includes primary level oversight for the Fruit Science Experiment Station at Mountain Grove and several other locations, including Shealy Farm, Journagan Ranch, Bakers Acres and the Woodlands.
Del Vecchio most recently served as a professor at the University of Minnesota – Crookston and was the department head of agriculture and natural resources from July 2008-July 2015.
According to MSU, his appointment will be confirmed by the Board of Governors at the June 10 meeting. His salary will be $137,000.
Del Vecchio received his doctorate and master’s degree from Texas A&M University in the area of animal science. He received his bachelor’s at the University of Rhode Island in the area of animal and veterinary science.