Helene Dillard ©Jason Koski/University Photography

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 10, 2007
Contact: Linda McCandless, llm3@cornell.edu

Helene Dillard reappointed director of Cornell Cooperative Extension
By Jeanne Griffith

Helene R. Dillard, Cornell professor of plant pathology at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, has been appointed to a second five-year term as director of Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) and associate dean in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Human Ecology, effective Oct. 1.

“Helene has helped establish a clear vision for Cornell Cooperative Extension that resonates soundly with CCE educators as well as with stakeholders around the state,” said Susan A. Henry, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “Under her leadership, CCE was able to persuade state legislators to increase funding allocated to CCE through County Law 224—a major accomplishment. Helene's many supporters, both within and outside of the CCE system, testify to her enthusiasm, honesty, practicality and energy.”

“We congratulate Helene and look forward to another five years of her strong, effective leadership,” said Alan Mathios, interim dean of the College of Human Ecology. “Her ability to work across disciplines and her commitment to bridging research and the real world has resulted in stronger connections between the communities we serve and the faculty and researchers at Cornell. In turn, extension professionals across the state are bringing expertise back to campus and helping to refine and focus Cornell's research agenda. This strengthens our ability to enhance the well-being of individuals, families and communities across New York and beyond, and we're proud to have Helene leading our efforts.”

The many letters submitted in support of Dillard’s reappointment cited her commitment to diversity within the organization and to raising CCE’s visibility on campus. During her first term, Dillard also organized a CCE leadership retreat that resulted in the formation of the statewide Executive Director Senate. A newsletter she established, CCE News, has strengthened communication throughout the extension network.

“I am pleased and honored to be reappointed as director of Cornell Cooperative Extension and associate dean in CALS and Human Ecology,” said Dillard. “I look forward to working with the faculty in CALS and Human Ecology, the dedicated extension educators and stakeholders across the state, and our partner organizations. Every day, Cornell Cooperative Extension programs have a tremendous positive impact on the lives of New Yorkers, and I appreciate the opportunity to provide leadership to this esteemed organization.”

Dillard maintains research and extension programs focused on the biology, ecology and management of fungal diseases of vegetables and dissemination of the information to the vegetable industry. Her interests include pathogen identification and disease diagnosis as well as disease management strategies for vegetable crops in fields and  greenhouses.

Dillard joined the Cornell faculty in 1984 and was promoted to full professor in 1998. She chaired the Geneva department of plant pathology from 1997 to 2001 and served a year as associate director of CCE before her initial appointment as director in October 2002. Dillard graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1977 with a bachelor’s degree in biology of natural resources. She earned both her master’s degree in soil science, in 1979, and her doctorate in plant pathology, in 1984, from the University of California, Davis.

Dillard is a fellow of the American Phytopathological Society and a member of Epsilon Sigma Phi (the professional organization for cooperative extension). She serves on the New York Sea Grant Board of Governors, the New York State 4-H Foundation Board of Directors, and the Museum of the Earth Board of Trustees. She is also a member of the Government Relations Committee of the Cornell University Board of Trustees.

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