Illinois Extension announcement by Bridget Lee-Calfas
The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign named Matthew Vann the new associate dean and director of University of Illinois Extension on Aug. 18.
“Dr. Vann emerged from a nationwide search as a leader with a clear vision and deep commitment to the mission of Cooperative Extension,” says Germán Bollero, College of ACES Dean. “He brings the experience, resolve and collaborative spirit we need in this moment. His understanding of the critical role Extension plays in communities will be essential as we navigate a period of significant transition and work together to reaffirm and renew our impact.”
Vann currently serves as interim associate director and state program leader for Agriculture and Natural Resources and Community and Rural Development at North Carolina State University. He oversees strategic direction, stakeholder engagement and program coordination for statewide Extension efforts across all 101 county centers. In addition, he served as Extension leader for the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences since mid-2022, initially as co-lead and transitioning to sole lead in early 2023, where he provided strategic leadership and coordination across departmental Extension efforts.
Since joining NC State in 2015, Vann also served as an associate professor and Extension specialist in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, where he has addressed critical issues in nutrient management, herbicide tolerance and environmental stewardship. A through line of his work has focused on strengthening Extension’s responsiveness to agricultural challenges and aligning applied research with producer and community needs.
This leadership transition arrives at an unprecedented time for Illinois Extension. Following the passage of the federal “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” on July 4, funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education program was eliminated nationwide. In Illinois, SNAP-Ed was delivered by Extension as Eat.Move.Save. to more than 240 communities, delivering over 1 million educational contacts with Illinois residents annually.
The loss of this federal funding resulted in significant staff reductions and the cessation of all Eat.Move.Save. nutrition education programs, resources and partnerships. This challenging circumstance underscores the need for strong, visionary leadership to guide Extension through transition and help shape the future of its vital work in Illinois communities.
In stepping into this role, Vann brings not only extensive professional experience but also a lifelong understanding of the values that define Extension. Originally from rural Lafayette County in Florida, Vann grew up on a century-old pioneer farm where his father served as a county Extension agent. These formative influences helped shape his lifelong commitment to service and community engagement. Vann earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and both his master’s degree and doctorate in crop science from NC State.
“I am honored to join Illinois Extension at this critical moment,” Vann says. “We are facing real challenges — but also real opportunities — to reimagine how Extension shows up in communities and delivers on its land-grant promise. Together, we will chart a bold and responsive path forward, one rooted in listening, innovation and a deep belief in the power of Extension to improve lives across Illinois.”
Vann’s appointment will begin on Sept. 22. He will succeed interim associate dean and director Durriyyah Kemp, who will continue in her leadership role as associate director for Illinois Extension’s Region 1.
