Blake Brown To Step Into the Role September 1
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Blake Brown, director of the University of Tennessee’s AgResearch and Education Center at Milan, will take on a new role with the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) as associate dean of field operations for UT AgResearch.
Brown, who has overseen the research and education center located in Milan for the past 28 years, is one of the longest serving directors for UT AgResearch. He received his bachelor’s degree in plant and soil science and his master’s and Ph.D. in weed science from UT Knoxville .
“This opportunity is one I could not pass up. It is less about taking a new job, but instead more of a calling,” said Brown. “My agricultural experience, coupled with a lifelong commitment to UT AgResearch, gives me a strong appreciation for the complexity and importance of our work.”
In his new role, Brown will focus on facility management, innovation, technology and community outreach for the 10 UT AgResearch and Education Centers located across the state. Together, the facilities represent the various climate and topological conditions that exist in Tennessee and provide perfect backdrops for research that can advance our knowledge of agricultural and natural resource management practices.
“We are thrilled to have Blake joining our team in this new position,” said Hongwei Xin, dean and director of UT AgResearch. “His unmatched experience, leadership and management skills, and deep knowledge of agriculture will serve our mission well in this new leadership position.”
During his tenure at Milan, Blake oversaw the continued education around the ground-breaking innovation of no-till farming, which has now been adopted as standard practice throughout the world. The center has hosted field days, bringing dignitaries, producers and farmers to Tennessee to learn more about best practices in no-till management. Milan also is known as a research center for the development and management of various row-crops.
“Blake is uniquely qualified to lead future innovative efforts for UT AgResearch,“ said Keith Carver, UTIA senior vice chancellor and senior vice president. “Blake has been on the forefront of innovative techniques used to support faculty researchers and staff who serve the people of Tennessee, particularly with improved farming production.”
Brown will replace Barry Sims who retired in July after 28 years of service to UTIA. His appointment begins September 1.
“Barry was an integral part and a trusted colleague of our research team and instrumental in coordinating numerous projects at our centers,” Xin said. “In addition to his knowledge, skills and ability, he is just one fine human being you can always count on. He will be truly missed.”
Jason Williams has been named interim director of the Milan center. Williams is currently a research associate at the center and has been with UT for almost 30 years. “We are excited to welcome Jason to this interim leadership role and looking forward to working with him,” said Xin.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch, and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of teaching, research and outreach, the institute touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond. utia.tennessee.edu.