Cox named MSU plant and soil sciences department head
Contact: Vanessa Beeson
STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥擬ichael Cox is the new head of Mississippi 大象APP鈥檚 Department of Plant and Soil Sciences.
Home to undergraduate programs in agronomy and horticulture, plus several master鈥檚 and doctoral programs in agronomy, horticulture and weed science, the department houses approximately 50 faculty members and serves around 300 undergraduate and graduate students.
鈥淒r. Cox is a proven leader who has successfully guided the department as interim head since 2023,鈥 said Darrell Sparks, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences acting dean and Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station acting director. 鈥淎n exceptional agronomist, his more than three decades of research on soil health, nutrient management, climate trends and precision agriculture have advanced crop productivity and environmental sustainability across Southern agricultural systems. I鈥檓 confident in his ability to lead the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences.鈥
Angus Catchot, MSU Extension Service director, said Cox is an ideal fit to help oversee the department鈥檚 numerous extension efforts.
鈥淥ur Department of Plant and Soil Sciences Extension faculty and staff are making a meaningful impact across Mississippi by helping producers increase yields, sustain water resources and improve row crop production,鈥 Catchot said. 鈥淒r. Cox has led the department effectively during his interim appointment, and I look forward to seeing him continue guiding this diverse group.鈥
Cox said he hopes to continue to grow the program into a regional powerhouse.
鈥淥ur department is already strong, and long term, I鈥檇 like to see us as the premier source of teaching, research and extension across the Mid-South,鈥 he said. 鈥淚 look forward to supporting our faculty as we explore growth in areas like automation and artificial intelligence and other future trends in agronomy and horticulture, while also honoring our traditions. I鈥檝e been here for over 30 years and know the faculty well. I see the great work they are engaged in and will continue to support them in any way I can.鈥
Cox, a renowned soil and nutrient management expert, has authored more than 40 publications with over 1,100 citations and holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in crop and soil sciences and a master鈥檚 degree in agronomy, both from Purdue University. He earned his doctorate in agronomy from Louisiana 大象APP University.
For more information about MSU鈥檚 Department of Plant and Soil Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, visit .
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