The university has appointed a new vice president for Iowa State University’s Extension and Outreach programs. He will join Iowa State April 3, 2023.

Jason Henderson, an Iowa native, will succeed John Lawrence, who plans to retire in spring 2023. Henderson is the current director of extension and senior associate dean for faculty development in the Purdue University College of Agriculture and the assistant vice provost for engagement.

Before joining Purdue in 2013 as extension director, associate dean and assistant vice provost of engagement, Henderson served as vice president and Omaha branch executive at the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City.

“Jason Henderson brings a wealth of experience to Iowa State University, both as an agricultural economist and an academic leader,” President Wendy Wintersteen stated in a news release. “He was raised on a family dairy farm in northeast Iowa. He understands the needs of Iowa’s rural communities and the critical role extension and outreach plays in their vitality and success.”

Henderson has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Central College as well as a master’s and doctorate degrees agricultural economics from Purdue University.

Henderson is a nationally recognized expert in agricultural and rural issues with more than 80 published research articles in academic and Federal Reserve publications. His articles cover topics such as land values, entrepreneurship, e-commerce in agricultural industries, changing demographics in rural America and value-added food manufacturing.

“Leading Iowa State’s extension and outreach programs is a tremendous and humbling opportunity,” Henderson said in the release. “As a native Iowan, I am excited for this opportunity to serve my home state and to work with our team of faculty, staff and county leaders to maintain a strong Iowa.”