AUBURN, Ala. (AP) - An Auburn University professor will take over March 1 as head of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, which assists the state’s agriculture industry and others.
Mike Phillips, who teaches agronomy and has served since 2018 as an assistant director for the system, will replace Gary Lemme, who retired after a decade as director the service.
Phillips, in a statement released by Auburn, said he was honored to be named to oversee the system.
“The opportunity to lead in making the state a better place is very special, and I am passionate about it. Our Extension professionals are here to enhance citizens’ livelihoods and make communities a better place to live and work,” he said.
Alabama Extension is operated jointly by Auburn and Alabama A&M University in Huntsville. The director, who reports to the presidents of both schools, is responsible for providing leadership to more than 700 faculty and staff on both campuses and in all 67 Alabama counties.
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