Bernardo selected as new CAHNRS dean

Daniel J. Bernardo has accepted the position of dean of the College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences, Provost and Academic Vice President Robert Bates announced Thursday. Bernardo attended numerous gatherings and interviews during his visits to Washington State University in February and April. 

“I am extremely pleased that we have recruited such a talented leader in agricultural research and education to advance the mission and vision of this important college at WSU,” Bates said. “Dr. Bernardo is committed to excellence in developing the next generation of leaders and brings his experience in production agriculture to ensure translation of the latest discoveries in science to applications in the field and the market. He is an outstanding economist who understands the diversity and complexity of agriculture and related disciplines, which will serve him well in the deanship.”

Bernardo received his B.S. from the University of California, Davis in 1980 and his Ph.D. from Washington State University in 1985. He joined Oklahoma State University as an assistant professor and was promoted to full professor in 1993. Bernardo joined Kansas State University in May 1995 and has served as professor and department head of agricultural economics since that time.

He specializes in production economics, farm management and natural resources. As department head, he has had administrative responsibility for the Department of Agricultural Economics’ teaching, research and extension programs. Since his arrival at Kansas State, Bernardo has directed several new initiatives including facility renovation and the master in agribusiness distance learning program. His research on irrigation management, rangeland economics and water quality policy has been published in scholarly journals across a variety of disciplines.

James J. Zuiches, dean of CAHNRS, stepped down from the deanship in August 2003, and R. James Cook has provided capable and inspiring leadership for the college as interim dean since that time. The search committee was appointed in May 2004 with Warwick Bayly, dean of veterinary medicine, serving as its chair.

Bates thanked the search committee for their efforts.