Story by MSU News Service
BOZEMAN – Montana State University announced today that it has selected Cody Stone to become its next Extension executive director.
Stone has been serving as interim executive director of MSU Extension since June 2017. He’ll start work under his new title immediately.
As Extension executive director, Stone will oversee an educational network that stretches into all 56 of Montana’s counties and all seven Indian reservations in the state. Extension applies unbiased, research-based university resources to meet practical needs identified by Montanans in their own communities.
“Extension and its many activities exemplify the land-grant mission, bringing MSU into the homes and hearts of Montanans across the state,” said MSU President Waded Cruzado. “I am pleased that, in Dr. Stone, we have found someone eminently qualified to guide those activities. His leadership and long experience in Extension will be invaluable to ensuring that MSU Extension continues to benefit all Montanans.”
Stone said he was honored to continue the work that has made MSU Extension such a vital part of Montana.
“I’m immensely grateful for this opportunity to serve the people of Montana,” Stone said. “Extension helps put valuable MSU research into the hands of farmers and ranchers, helps develop the state’s future through 4-H youth programs and helps cities and towns with community development. I look forward to keeping that mission going and growing and keeping Montana’s Extension system the envy of the nation.”
Prior to becoming interim Extension executive director, Stone was Extension’s associate director from 2014 to 2017. From 2005 to 2014, he served as director and in other development roles for the Montana 4-H Center for Youth Development and as an associate professor at MSU. He was an extension program specialist and regional program director for 4-H and Youth Development for Texas Cooperative Extension from 1999 to 2005, and a Texas Agricultural Extension agent for Gillespie County from 1997 to 1999.
Stone received his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and his master’s degree in agricultural education from Texas A&M University. He received his doctorate in education from MSU, focusing on adult and higher education administration.
The previous Extension executive director, Jeff Bader, retired in 2016.
Stone was chosen after a national search conducted by a seven-member committee chaired by Miley Gonzalez, vice provost of the MSU Office of International Programs.
Story by MSU News Service
