Dr. Shane Burgess to Transition from Administrative Roles to Faculty and Dr. Michael Staten to Serve as the Interim Dean

After more than a decade of impactful leadership at the University of Arizona, Dr. Shane Burgess resigned his administrative roles as vice president of the Division of Agriculture, Life and Veterinary Sciences, and Cooperative Extension, and as Charles-Sander Dean of the College of Agriculture, Life and Environmental Sciences (CALES), effective April 16, 2025. Dr. Burgess will transition to his faculty position as professor.

Dr. Burgess has led CALES with a commitment to the university's land-grant mission. Since joining the U of A in July 2011, he has elevated the college's stature nationally and internationally, strengthened its research enterprise, and expanded its engagement across Arizona's rural and urban communities alike.

Under Dr. Burgess' leadership, CALES has made major contributions in areas critical to the state, from food security and sustainable agriculture to economic development and environmental resilience. His tenure has also included advancements in community engagement, supporting Arizonans through practical, science-based education and community collaboration.

We are pleased that Dr. Michael Staten, professor of agricultural and resource economics at CALES has graciously agreed to serve as the interim dean, and we will begin an expeditious but thorough national search for this important position.

More information on the search for Dr. Burgess' successor will be forthcoming.