Robin Wishna/University Photography

Max Pfeffer

Max J. Pfeffer, Cornell international professor of development sociology and chair of the Department of Development Sociology, has been appointed senior associate dean in the university's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) for a three-year term, effective April 12.

Pfeffer joins Jan Nyrop as one of the college's two senior associate deans and succeeds Barbara Knuth, who was recently named vice provost and dean of the Graduate School. Professor David L. Brown will serve as interim chair of the Department of Development Sociology until Pfeffer's replacement is identified.

In his new role, Pfeffer will help to develop strategic priorities for CALS and align budget and administrative services to these priorities. He will provide oversight for half the departments and programs in CALS, working with chairs on carrying out the strategic plan for their units, faculty recruitment and retention, budget oversight, promotion and tenure processes, and academic aspects of facilities planning.

"I am very pleased that Max Pfeffer is willing to accept this important position on the leadership team," said Susan A. Henry, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of Agriculture and Life Sciences. "Max has served with distinction as chair of development sociology since 2006, and provided leadership for the Cornell Center for the Environment during a difficult period preceding the eventual transition that led to the formation of the Cornell Center for a Sustainable Future. He is highly regarded by his peers for his commitment to scholarship and teaching in the applied social sciences and for his commitment to the college's land-grant mission."

"I am honored to serve CALS in this capacity at this critical point in its history," said Pfeffer. "CALS has offered me an incredibly fertile environment to pursue my academic interests by addressing real-world problems. I look forward to the opportunity to help others realize their professional aspirations and to fulfill the public mission of the college."

Henry also acknowledged Knuth, who has served CALS with distinction in many roles, culminating in her last three years as senior associate dean. "Barb has provided vital leadership in many CALS initiatives and her advice and counsel will be missed," said Henry. "We can take pride in the fact that she was selected for her new position of leadership on the basis of the outstanding work that she has done in CALS."

As professor of development sociology, Pfeffer concentrates on environmental sociology and sociological theory, focusing on a variety of rural and urban communities, including rural/urban fringe areas. His expertise and research in key policy areas, including land use and environmental planning, rural labor markets, and rural-to-urban and international migration, have helped Cornell develop a reputation with policymakers for innovative solutions to pressing social issues. Research sites include rural New York, Mexico and Central and South America.

Pfeffer received his bachelor's degree in sociology from the University of Colorado (1976) and his master's (1979) and doctorate (1986) degrees from the University of Wisconsin. After serving as assistant professor at Rutgers (1988-93), he joined the Cornell faculty in 1993 as assistant professor in rural sociology, became associate professor in 1996 and professor in 2002. Pfeffer has served as associate director of the Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station and the Center for the Environment. Currently, he is co-director of the Community and Rural Development Institute.