Jimmy Henning, PhD, stepped down as associate dean for extension and director of the University of Kentucky (UK) Cooperative Extension Service on Feb. 15 to return to the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment’s faculty as an extension forage specialist. Henning has led the extension service since 2007.

“I have wanted to return to the field for some time,” Henning said. “With the renewed emphasis on forage programs as part of the Grain and Forage Center of Excellence and the continued need for the same in Eastern Kentucky, the timing just seems right.”

Nancy Cox, PhD, dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, added, “About a year ago, Jimmy told me he would like to resume working directly with forage and livestock producers. He has provided great leadership for extension for the past 10 years. I understand his desire to return to the field and know that he will bring great passion to his new role as he did while leading extension.”

The search for a new leader will begin after a review of the Cooperative Extension Service is complete later this spring