Greg Lardy will serve as North Dakota State University Extension’s interim director.

Ken Grafton, vice president for Agricultural Affairs; North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station director; and College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources dean, made the announcement today.

Lardy was selected for the role after an internal search. His appointment begins July 3 and will continue for at least a year, until a national search is conducted for a permanent Extension director, Grafton said.

Lardy now serves as NDSU Animal Sciences Department head. He also carries a 30 percent appointment as associate vice president for Agricultural Affairs, which he will retain as interim Extension director. Lardy started his NDSU career in 1997 as state Extension beef cattle specialist and assistant professor.

“We’re thrilled to have Greg sharing his skills as interim Extension director,” Grafton said. “As Extension beef specialist, he demonstrated his ability to work with stakeholders across the state, and he has continued providing leadership in various administrative functions. He is very well suited to lead Extension during this transition.”

Lardy grew up on a Sentinel Butte, N.D., ranch and received his bachelor of science degree in animal and range sciences from NDSU, master of science degree in animal sciences from the University of Missouri, Columbia, and doctorate in animal sciences from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.

“I’m excited for this opportunity to lead NDSU Extension as the interim director,” Lardy said. “My contact with NDSU Extension started as a 4-H member in Golden Valley County and now comes full circle with this role.

“NDSU Extension makes positive impacts in the lives of North Dakotans on a daily basis,” Lardy added. “I look forward to serving the needs of North Dakota citizens by working with the talented employees in NDSU Extension and with our stakeholders to advance the organization in the upcoming year.”

Grafton said, “Current Extension Director Chris Boerboom brought exceptional leadership and integrity to the position and will be missed, but we’re optimistic Greg will fill the void. We wish Chris the best in his retirement.”

NDSU Agriculture Communication - June 20, 2018