Kristina Boone, whose academic career has bridged teaching, research and administration across three major universities, has been named dean of the College of Agricultural, Life & Physical Sciences at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale.
A nationally recognized leader in agricultural communication, Boone began her journey at Texas Tech, earning a bachelor’s degree from Davis College’s Department of Agricultural Education & Communications in 1986 before advancing to leadership roles at Kansas State and Ohio State.
“Kris has been an inspirational leader and a role model to me since her time as Department Head at Kansas State University,” said Scott Burris, professor and chair of the Department of Agricultural Education & Communications. “She is one of the most highly respected leaders in our field and she will make a positive impact in Carbondale.”
While at Texas Tech, Boone served on a departmental advisory council and the Davis College of Agriculture Council. She also held both local and national offices in Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, a collegiate organization dedicated to advancing professional skills in agricultural communication.
After earning a master’s degree and doctorate in agricultural communication and extension education from Ohio State University, Boone began her academic career at Kansas State University, where she rose to become head of its Department of Communications & Agricultural Education.
In 2017, she was appointed director of Ohio State’s Agricultural Technical Institute, later took leadership of the university’s CFAES Wooster Campus and its statewide Ohio Agricultural Research & Development Center.
Boone was named a Davis College Distinguished Alumni in 2017. The Davis College alumni awards, university officials noted, recognize graduates whose professional achievements and service have brought distinction to the college and to the broader fields of agriculture and natural resources.
CONTACT: Scott Burris, Chair, Department of Agricultural Education & Communications, Texas Tech University at (806) 834-8689 or scott.burris@ttu.edu
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