WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) — A ten-month nationwide search has come to an end. Purdue University named Karen Plaut the new Glenn W. Sample Dean of the College of Agriculture Thursday. 

Plaut has been serving as the interim dean of the College of Agriculture since July 2017. She was selected from a group of three finalists to replace Jay Akridge, who became Purdue provost and chief diversity officer in November. 

Plaut came to Purdue in 2010 as associate dean and director of agriculture research. She was named senior associate dean of research and faculty affairs in 2013. 

“I couldn’t be more pleased that our search committee, after a very thorough process, has chosen Karen Plaut,” Purdue President Mitch Daniels said. “Purdue’s College of Agriculture is known around the world for its leadership in food, agricultural, life and natural resources sciences, and Karen’s work in multiple capacities has certainly helped make that so.”

Plaut received her Bachelor of Science degree in animal science from the University of Vermont. She went on to receive a Master of Science degree in animal nutrition from Pennsylvania State University and a doctoral degree in animal science from Cornell University. 

Plaut will be responsible for all academic programs in the College of Agriculture, the Indiana Agricultural Experiment Station, Purdue Extension and a number of state regulatory services.

“I am grateful for the trust the university has placed in me to lead the College of Agriculture,” Plaut said. “Purdue didn’t become one of the premier agriculture programs by accident. It has a history of incredible leadership that can be seen through the achievements of the faculty, staff and students. I will challenge myself every day to build on that success.”