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Allen Featherstone named interim head of K-State's department of agricultural economicsKansas Allen Featherstone, a professor of agricultural economics and director of Kansas State University's award-winning master of agribusiness program, has been named interim head of the department of agricultural economics. Featherstone replaces Bryan Schurle, who recently stepped down. The change took effect Oct. 6. "Allen's vast experience and proven leadership will ensure that the department of agricultural economics continues its excellence in this time of transition," said Fred Cholick, dean of K-State's College of Agriculture. "We are extremely pleased to have him." A national search, expected to take a year, is being launched to fill the position on a permanent basis. Featherstone, who has been at K-State for 22 years, is a leading agricultural finance scholar in addition to directing the first graduate agribusiness degree in the nation to be offered through distance education. The program offers master's degrees in agribusiness, allowing professionals to earn an advanced degree without career interruption. In 2001, the University Continuing Education Association recognized it as the most innovative distance education program in the nation with the Peterson Award. It has received several other honors, as well as having its 100th graduate in August. Featherstone said he plans to prepare the department for new leadership, as well as position it to excel ever further. "My focus will be getting the department ready for a national search, as well as developing a strategic plan to boost the numbers in our master's and doctoral programs, and to fill upcoming faculty vacancies due to retirement," he said. Featherstone has published more than 90 journal articles, five book chapters and given numerous presentations. He has participated or managed 21 significant grant-funded or contract research projects. He has been recognized with several professional awards, including the American Agricultural Economics Association Distinguished Graduate Teaching Award in 2002 and the Outstanding Online Teaching and Outstanding Online Course awards at the 2005 Summer Institute on Distance Learning and Instructional Technology. Featherstone earned bachelor's degrees in economics and agricultural economics from the University of Wisconsin, River Falls, and a master's and doctorate in agricultural economics from Purdue University. He was promoted to full professor at K-State in 1996. 11/3/08 Date: 10/30/08
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