Anson Bertrand, a well-known college professor and administrator who later became assistant director of Food and Agriculture for U.S. Agency for International Development in Washington, died Tuesday, February 18, in Augusta, Georgia. He was 91.

Bertrand was named dean of Texas Tech University's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources in 1970, following the retirement of Gerald Thomas, who went on to become president of New Mexico State University. Bertrand remained at Tech eight years until he took a federal post as director of science and education for the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Prior to joining Tech, Bertrand served as professor of agronomy and soil sciences at Purdue and before becoming head of the agronomy division at the University of Georgia. He received his bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University and his master's degree in agronomy from the University of Illinois. His doctorate in soil physics was from Purdue University.

Following his retirement from the federal government, Bertrand served as a consultant regarding food and agricultural development. During his career he was nationally recognized as a leader in agronomy and soils, in addition to publishing numerous scientific articles based on his research. He was a past president of the Soil Science Society of America.

Written by Norman Martin

CONTACT: Michael Galyean, Dean, College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or michael.galyean@ttu.edu

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