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Mandy Marney has been hired as director of SDSU Extension and associate dean of the Ģ����Ƶ College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. She started her new role on June 22.

“Dr. Amanda Marney brings a wealth of experience and leadership in extension to SDSU,” said Joe Cassady, SD Corn Endowed Dean. “I couldn't be more excited to have her join the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences administrative team.”

Marney joins SDSU from the University of Wyoming, where she held similar positions. She also has experience with Kansas State University Ģ����Ƶ and Extension, University of Missouri Extension and the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station. She earned a bachelor’s degree in agricultural journalism, a master’s degree in environment and behavior and a doctorate in human environmental sciences, all from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

All of these experiences will be important as she takes over leadership for SDSU Extension, the outreach arm of Ģ����Ƶ and a network of hundreds of employees across the state with the goal of providing South Dakotans with unbiased, research-based information that can help improve their lives. SDSU Extension has four main programming focus areas: Agriculture and Natural Resources; Community Vitality; Family, Food and Wellness; and 4-H Youth Development with programs offered at offices in nearly every county in addition to eight regional centers across the state. It’s a lot of people to meet and a lot of information to take in, but Marney is up to the task.

“One of my biggest goals in my first year is to spend time listening, learning and building strong relationships across SDSU Extension and the communities we serve,” she said. “My goal is to help create an environment where people feel supported, connected and empowered to innovate while still honoring the strong foundation and traditions that have made SDSU Extension successful for generations.”

Marney notes that it’s important to understand what is already working well within current extension programming and where opportunities exist to grow programs together. At its core, she sees relationships as a cornerstone of extension success, regardless of which state she has been in. She describes her experiences in extension as more than a career, rather as something she is drawn to do.

“Extension is a calling for me. It reflects who I am, how I serve, and the way I choose to engage with communities,” Marney said. “As I step into this role, I want South Dakotans to know that I am excited, energized and ready to listen, learn and work alongside them. My husband, Neil, and I are looking forward to making South Dakota our home and contributing to the bright future of this state.”