Dr. Govind Kannan, dean of Fort Valley State University’s College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology, recently earned the Outstanding Leadership Award from the 1890 Association of Research Directors (ARD) Inc.
The 1890 ARD Inc. coordinates research administration for the 19 1890 Land Grant Universities (LGU’s) in cooperation with federal, state and private partners. The organization is one of the regional organizations of the Experiment Station Section of the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities (APLU).
Kannan, who served as chair of ARD Inc. for the 2015-2016 term said he is honored to receive this award. He also is proud of the accomplishments made during his time as chair of ARD.
In this position, Kannan played a key role in establishing three Centers of Excellence. He also led efforts to establish the ARD Foundation Board of Directors and streamlined the process for managing funds of $1.5 million.
The Centers of Excellence, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) at $1.5 million, include the Center for Innovation and Sustainable Small Farms, Ranches and Forest Lands, the Virtual Center to Motivate and Educate for Achievement, and the Center of Excellence for International Engagement.
The Centers of Excellence which are housed and facilitated by personnel at 1890 institutions, implement initiatives such as workforce development, plant and animal health sciences education and international business and trade education. The responsibility of managing the Centers is presently being transferred to the newly established 1890 Foundation.
Kannan said serving as ARD chair is important for FVSU because it gives the university an opportunity to share our expertise beyond the state. “This is an example of the leadership role Fort Valley plays at regional and national levels,” Kannan said.
For more information about the 1890’s ARD Inc., visit the ARD web page at: http://ow.ly/b4V430aywtM