Kitchel reappointed as CFAES senior associate dean

Tracy Kitchel has been reappointed as senior associate dean and director of faculty and staff affairs in The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES). The reappointment is effective July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2028.

“I appreciate Dr. Kitchel’s dedicated efforts and continued pursuit of excellence in these important areas,” said Cathann A. Kress, Ohio State vice president for agricultural administration and dean of CFAES. “Congratulations on a well-deserved reappointment. I look forward to seeing what his accomplishments will be during the next four years.”

Kitchel earned his BS and MS at Ohio State, and his PhD at the University of Missouri, all in agricultural education. Prior to his first term as senior associate dean and director of faculty and staff affairs, he served as chair of the CFAES Department of Agricultural Communication, Education, and Leadership.

The western Ohio native also previously served as assistant vice provost of graduate and postdoctoral affairs at the University of Missouri and on the faculties of the University of Kentucky and University of Missouri.

Kitchel’s research focuses on the conditions of agricultural teachers’ entry into the profession, and more broadly, the career longevity of agricultural teachers.

“I can’t say enough great things about the people of this college. I’ve now seen firsthand the passion our people invest in their work as we live up to our purpose: We sustain life,” said Kitchel. “It is truly my privilege to continue providing leadership and support for the amazing faculty and staff of Ohio State’s cornerstone college.”

Kress noted that during Kitchel’s second term as senior associate dean and director of faculty and staff affairs, he will continue enhancing processes for faculty recruitment, onboarding, integration, retention, evaluation, and promotion; continue developing faculty compensation policies and practices, and identifying inequities; and help nurture cultural competency and an inclusive environment, and ensure equitable consideration of candidates.

Kitchel’s position is subject to the approval of Ohio State’s Office of Academic Affairs and Board of Trustees.