Becky Barlow was recently named associate dean for extension in the Auburn University College of Agriculture and assistant director for agriculture, forestry and natural resource extension programs in the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. She begins the role Wednesday, June 1.
Barlow, Alabama Extension specialist and professor in the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, served in the interim position for the last year. After an extensive national search, College of Agriculture Dean Paul Patterson and Alabama Extension Director Mike Phillips announced her selection on Tuesday.
“Dr. Barlow brings passion for Alabama Extension and agriculture, forestry and natural resources [AFNR], as well as extensive experience in AFNR programming that is invaluable in this role,” Patterson said. “I look forward to continuing to work with her as she steps into the role permanently.”
As associate dean and assistant director, Barlow serves as a liaison between the College of Agriculture and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and coordinates and leads programs that Alabama Extension carries out in collaboration with the college as well as the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment and Alabama A&M University.
“Dr. Barlow brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion for extension work across the wide array of subject matter expertise in agriculture, forestry and natural resources,” Phillips said. “She has demonstrated effective leadership in numerous capacities throughout her career and is the consummate professional who will excel in representing Auburn University across all program areas in AFNR.”
Phillips served as associate dean for extension and assistant director for agriculture, forestry and natural resource extension programs until March 2021, when he stepped into his current role as director of Alabama Extension.
Barlow came to Auburn as an assistant professor in 2007 after working for Weyerhaeuser Company as a land management forester for 12 years. She was named an associate professor in 2012 and full professor in 2018. She was honored with Auburn’s Harry Murphy Endowed Professorship in 2020.
“I am honored to have been selected for this position,” Barlow said. “As an extension professional, my goal is to inspire and empower all Alabama citizens so they can have a better life. This is an exciting opportunity because it allows me to work closely with the talented and dedicated professionals we have on the Alabama Extension, Auburn University and Alabama A&M University teams who are making a difference in a very real way.”
(Written by Kristen Bowman)
