KNOXVILLE, Tenn.– Dr. D.M. “Pete” Gossett, vice president of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture since 1987, announced Friday that he will retire effective June 30, 1998.
Gossett, who began his career in the agricultural extension service at North Carolina State University, has been at UT since 1965.
“The accomplishments and achievements of the institute over the past 10 years represent the best efforts of my faculty and staff,” Gossett said. “It has been my privilege to help them meet their goals.”
Gossett’s administrative responsibilities include the agricultural experiment station and extension service and the colleges of agriculture and veterinary medicine.
UT President Joe Johnson said the Institute of Agriculture has made great strides under Gossett’s leadership.
“Student enrollments in agriculture are up sharply, the quality of research at the institute is among the nation’s best, and the agricultural extension programs are outstanding,” Johnson said.
Gossett’s most recent accomplishments include construction of an animal research facility now underway at a site adjacent to the agriculture campus here.
Johnson said he would appoint a search committee including representatives of UT’s Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, students, and the state’s agriculture community to help him select Gossett’s successor.
Gossett was promoted to vice president from dean of the agricultural experiment station, succeeding W.W. “Bill” Armistead.
Previously at UT he was assistant dean, superintendent of the West Tennessee experiment station, and associate professor in UT’s agricultural extension service.
A graduate of UT-Martin, Gossett earned the master of science degree from the University of Illinois and the doctoral degree from North Carolina State.
Gossett is a member of the Governor’s Council on Agriculture and Forestry and serves on the boards of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation; Agricenter International; Tennessee Valley A&I Fair; Tennessee Soybean Association; Tennessee Crop Improvement Association; and Tennessee 4-H Club Foundation.
A native of Benton County, Gossett is married to the former Marjorie Evans of Huntington, Tenn. They have a grown son, John.
—
Contact: Dr. D.M. Gossett (423-974-7342)