Dr. Jackie Burns new Associate Center Director

LAKE ALFRED, Fla.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dr. Jackie Burns, professor of horticulture, was recently named the Associate Center Director for the University of Florida, IFAS, Citrus Research and Education Center. 

Last fall, Burns accepted an invitation from the IFAS Deans to participate in the Leadership Training Program called “Lead21.” During this program, which begins this summer, she will be exposed to leadership and management training; participate in an internship in the Research Deans Office, and be exposed to federal land-grant processes, including federal funding mechanisms, etc. 

Her appointment as Associate Center Director will allow her more opportunities for growth, and puts CREC in line with most other IFAS Centers (and Departments) in having an associate administrator in the unit.

During the first phase of this appointment, Burns will commit approximately one day a week in support of CREC.  Two specific assignments have been discussed and will be pursued immediately. First, she will begin implementing the next phase of CREC space allocation and program moves in the aftermath of the completion of the plant pathology building and in anticipation of the demolition of building 7110 in 2008.  Secondly, Burns will lead an in-depth analysis of the elements of the infrastructure at CREC that provide considerable program support to faculty here. 
  
“I am confident that Jackie’s appointment will greatly benefit CREC and allow her leadership skills to expand,” said Dr. Harold Browning, Center Director, UF/IFAS CREC.

Burns earned her bachelors and masters degrees from the University of Arkansas and her doctorate from The Pennsylvania State University. She has been a CREC faculty member for more than 20 years.

For more information, please call Anita Whitaker, Public Relations Coordinator, at 863-956-1157.