ITHACA, N.Y. -- D. Merrill Ewert, director of Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE), has been named president of Fresno Pacific University, Fresno, Calif. His appointment is effective July 1.

Ewert joined the Cornell University faculty in 1991 as a professor in the Department of Education, where he taught, conducted research and implemented extension programs focused on community-based development. In April 1998, Ewert was appointed director of CCE and associate dean for outreach in Cornell's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) and in the College of Human Ecology.

"Merrill's leadership has been critical to the health of Cornell Cooperative Extension. His effort has enhanced the programs and has created opportunities for the productive exchange between the university and the communities of New York state," said Cornell Provost Biddy Martin.

Said Susan Henry, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean in CALS: "Merrill has been a tremendous asset to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. His vision in promoting excellence and revitalization has led to a new era for Cornell Cooperative Extension."

Prior to joining Cornell's faculty, Ewert served as director of extension and continuing education at Wheaton College, Wheaton, Ill., from 1986 to 1990. Ewert earned a bachelor's degree in 1967 from Tabor College, Hillsboro, Kan. He earned a master's degree in cultural anthropology in 1971, and a doctorate in adult and continuing education in 1977, both from the University of Wisconsin at Madison.

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