Wendy Powers

Dr. Wendy Powers became dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) at the University of Maryland in July of 2025. In this role, she oversees the College of AGNR’s diverse on-campus departments and programs, serves as director of the college’s statewide non-formal educational outreach system, University of Maryland Extension, and as director of the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station, which operates four research and education centers located throughout the state.

Prior to joining AGNR, Dr. Powers was the inaugural Cashup Davis Family Endowed Dean of the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences at Washington State University. Dr. Powers began her career as an assistant professor and extension specialist in animal science at Iowa State University, then moved to Michigan State University, where she served as a full professor in the departments of Animal Science and Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering, Extension specialist, and director of environmental stewardship for animal agriculture in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. She was also the first director of the Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute for Michigan State University Extension.

Dr. Powers came to Washington State University from the University of California, where she had served as associate vice president for the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources since 2016. She led academic, research, and outreach programs, overseeing county-based cooperative extension outreach, 12 statewide programs and institutes, and nine research and extension centers across California.