The Head of Purdue Extension has announced his resignation. Chuck Hibberd will be returning to his home state of Nebraska to head the extension service at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Purdue Ag Dean Jay Akridge told HAT that Hibberd has accomplished a lot while heading Purdue Extension during some very difficult financial times, “He has focused on innovation and has stressed that Extension must make a difference.” Hibberd came to Purdue from Nebraska 5 years ago and has managed to reduce costs without cutting staff or closing offices as has been the case in other states. Hibberd will start his new position on October 1.
Akridge told HAT the search for a new director will begin immediately, “We will form a search committee that is made up of the many diverse elements of Extension from across the state.” He also indicated an announcement of an interim director will be made soon. Akridge said he hopes to find an individual with the passion and vision that will keep Purdue Extension moving forward, “I would like to see a person with the kind of vision for Extension that will allow us to build on what Chuck has started… to help us be more than we are today.”