The director of the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture – told to resign by interim College of Agriculture Dean Wendy Wintersteen – said he plans to continue his research at the center.

Frederick Kirschenmann, who has held the position since July 2000, was removed from his position Tuesday concerning complaints from Iowa agriculture groups accusing Kirschenmann of not communicating with them, Wintersteen said.

“There was a significant number of folks who felt like they didn’t have significant connection to the center,” she said.

Among those who complained of Kirschenmann’s performance are corn and soybean producers who wanted more research on issues the center had historically dealt with, such as water quality and conservation research, Wintersteen said. She said although the center had some projects in that area, “It was probably just not enough and also there probably could have been more communication on those topics.”

Kirschenmann said he’s spoken with Wintersteen during the past two years on improving the center’s responses with the ag, but said she was too vague. He said he has focused on helping farmers reduce their environmental impact and address socioeconomic problems that impede progress toward more sustainable agriculture.

“That’s the stated mission and that’s what I’ve been focused on,” he said.

Kirschenmann, who said he will continue on at the center as a distinguished fellow, has been replaced by Jerald DeWitt, professor of entomology. Wintersteen said Kirschenmann’s new position will allow him to focus on his research, for which he is nationally known.

Kirschenmann said he will continue on with the center as long as he can help move its mission forward. He said, however, that if he cannot continue moving the center’s mission forward, he would just be “window dressing.”

“I don’t do window dressing,” he said.

He said the details of his new job have yet to be worked out with DeWitt, who has been a friend and colleague for decades.

“I’m going into this in good faith; I’m looking forward to working with the new director. Beyond that we’ll just wait and see,” Kirschenmann said.

Wintersteen said DeWitt has strong communication skills and can work with diverse stakeholder groups.

“Jerry has worked at Iowa State almost all his life as either an extension entomologist or an individual working in sustainable agriculture,” she said.

DeWitt could not be reached for comment Tuesday.