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Leslie D. Edgar
Dean, College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

About Leslie D. Edgar

Leslie D. Edgar joined 国产91av as dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences in June 2025. In her role as dean of CALS, Edgar oversees a college with more than 240 faculty located on campus and across the state at 10 research and Extension centers and in UI Extension offices located in 42 counties and three federally recognized tribal communities.

Prior to her appointment as dean of CALS, Edgar served as associate dean of research and director of the Agricultural Research Center in the College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) at Washington State University, where she oversaw and provided leadership for interdisciplinary research teams, fiscal and personnel management, and strategic planning and direction for the CAHNRS research enterprise. Prior to WSU, Edgar served as the associate dean of research and experiment station director at New Mexico State University, as professor and department head for the Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication Department the University of Georgia, and as assistant dean for student programs at the University of Arkansas, where she directed the honors and international programs.

As a science and agricultural communicator, Edgar's research focused on human capital within agriculture and the development of effective communication models to enhance management and outreach. During her time as a faculty member, she received 10 teaching and advising awards, including the prestigious National New Teacher Award for Excellence in College and University Teaching from the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU) and USDA/NIFA. Edgar has authored over 70 peer-reviewed journal articles, secured millions of dollars in research grants and contracts, and earned 37 awards for research and professional service.

Edgar received a bachelor's degree in animal science and a masters in agricultural systems, technology and education from Utah State University. She earned a doctoral degree in agricultural leadership, education and communications from Texas A&M University.