Alabama agency taps UAM grad

Mike Phillips, an Arkansas native and former director of the Southwest Research and Extension Center at Hope is the new director of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Phillips is also an alumnus of the University of Arkansas at Monticello. A native of Benton, Phillips will begin his new role March 1, according to a news release from the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension Program is the joined outreach organization for two land grant universities: Alabama A&M and Auburn.

Phillips earned a master’s degree and doctorate in agronomy in 1982 and 1985, respectively, at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. Phillips received his bachelor’s degree in 1980 from UAM, majoring in agriculture.

Prior to joining Alabama Extension and the Auburn faculty, Phillips was head of Mississippi State University’s Department of Plant and Soil Sciences. His career also includes the role of chair of the Department of Agricultural Sciences at Kentucky’s Morehead State University.

He began his career at the University of Arkansas Southwest Research and Extension Center in Hope — part of the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station — where he was director and professor, according to the release.

“Dr. Phillips’ professional background enables him to shape Alabama Extension’s future,” Alabama A&M President Andrew Hugine Jr. said. “We look forward to his leadership and wish him well.”

Auburn President Jay Gogue echoed that sentiment.

“Dr. Phillips has a tremendous background and the excellent leadership skills needed to meet the ever-changing role of extension, both in rural and urban areas,” Gogue said.

The Alabama extension director reports jointly to both presidents and is responsible for providing leadership to more than 700 faculty and staff on both campuses and in all 67 Alabama counties.

“It is truly a high honor to be selected to serve in this capacity,” Phillips said. “The opportunity to lead in making the state a better place is very special, and I am passionate about it. Our extension professionals are here to enhance citizens’ livelihoods and make communities a better place to live and work.”

Phillips, an agronomy professor, has served since 2018 as Alabama extension assistant director for agriculture, forestry and natural resource programs and as associate dean in Auburn’s College of Agriculture.

To learn about extension and research programs in Arkansas, visit https://uada.edu/