PULLMAN, Wash. – Richard Zack has been appointed interim associate dean of academic programs in the College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences at Washington State University, effective Aug. 1.
An award-winning professor and entomology researcher, Zack will support CAHNRS’ curriculum development and assessment, strengthen student recruitment and retention and expand course delivery to and from research and extension centers and urban campuses. This includes supporting delivery of the new organic agriculture systems and agriculture and food systems majors at the WSU Everett campus.
He began his WSU career as director and curator of the M.T. James Entomological Collection at WSU Pullman after earning a Ph.D. from WSU. He has served as chair of the entomology department and Faculty Senate and teaches undergraduate core classes on insects and how they impact people’s lives.
His research has resulted in the identification of new insect species, including seven named for him.
“Richard Zack is a highly dedicated and impactful professor, researcher and administrator. We are grateful that he is willing to step into this extremely important position,” said Ron Mittelhammer, dean of CAHNRS. “I am confident that he will be an effective and supportive leader for the college.”
Known for his engaging teaching style and willingness to consume bugs for the sake of science, Zack has earned many awards including the WSU Sahlin Excellence Award for Instruction and the Distinguished Achievement Award in Teaching from the Entomological Society of America. A member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, he has served on the graduate committees of over 40 master’s and doctoral students and has authored or co-authored more than 100 refereed publications.
Zack will initially support and work collaboratively with associate dean of academic programs Kimberlee Kidwell. He will assume full interim associate dean responsibilities Nov. 1 when Kidwell leaves to become dean of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois.
Contact:
Marta Coursey, WSU College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences communications, 509-335-2806, marta.coursey@wsu.edu
