Jimmy Cheek named senior vp for agriculture and natural resources

November 18, 2004

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Jimmy Cheek, dean of the University of Florida’s College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, has been named the university’s senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources, UF President Bernie Machen announced today.

The appointment is effective Jan. 1.

“Dr. Cheek has a long and distinguished record at the University of Florida,” Machen said. “He enjoys the respect of his colleagues as well as Floridians who work in the areas of agriculture and natural resources. I am pleased he has accepted this challenging position and look forward to his leadership.”

As senior vice president, Cheek will administer UF’s programs in food, agriculture, natural resources and life sciences. He will be the administrative head of the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, or IFAS, which encompasses five major units: the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences; the Agricultural Experiment Station; the Cooperative Extension Service; the School of Forest Resources and Conservation; and elements of the College of Veterinary Medicine.

“The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences has a proud history of excellence in serving Florida’s agriculture and natural resources through teaching, research and extension,” Cheek said. “I am honored by President Machen’s support and look forward to working with him as well as IFAS’ stakeholders, students, faculty and staff.”

Cheek, 58, who also currently oversees IFAS’ academic programs, was appointed dean of the college in January 1999. He joined the UF faculty in 1975 as an assistant professor and rose to the rank of full professor in agricultural education and communication in 1985. He was named assistant dean for academic programs of what was then the College of Agriculture in 1992.

Cheek received his bachelor’s and doctorate degrees in agricultural education from Texas A&M University in 1969 and 1975, respectively. He received his master’s degree from Lamar University in 1972. Prior to coming to UF, Cheek served as a graduate fellow and instructor at Texas A&M.