New Dean Deacue Fields recently shared a welcome back message for new and returning students to the University of Arkansas and Bumpers College for the fall semester.
Dean Deacue Fields
He’s in his first year with us after being appointed last December and officially starting on campus in May. The following Q&A with Dean Fields will be in this year’s Graduate, our annual alumni magazine coming out soon, but this is a good space to share that and let you learn a little more about him.
What have your first few months on the job been like?
It has been very exciting getting to know more about the innovative programs currently in place. I’ve also had the opportunity to travel around the state and learn more about the agricultural industry and employment opportunities for students in agriculture and life sciences.
What drew you to this position?
I wanted to be in a state where the land-grant is the state’s flagship university and also where agriculture is a major contributor to the state’s economy. Bumpers College also has several top five and top 10 nationally ranked departments. This combination makes recruiting quality students and top faculty much easier. In addition, Northwest Arkansas is an outstanding place to live and raise a family.
What is your agricultural background?
I was reared in northeast Louisiana and surrounded by agriculture. Both of my grandfathers were cotton, soybean and cattle farmers, and my father challenged me to start our club calf operation when I was 13. I also raise and show American Quarter horses, and, ironically, bought the first one I showed from a breeder in Hope, Arkansas (1984). I am academically trained as an agricultural economist, and worked as an extension economist and professor for over 20 years. I focused on horticultural crops, food marketing and agribusiness at Auburn, so I have an appreciation and keep up with market trends in almost all sectors of agriculture.
What would you like our graduates to know heading into your first year as dean?
It is my goal to develop programs in the college to enhance the student experience. I want to find the best avenues to communicate the outstanding departments and career opportunities that exist for students who graduate from Bumpers College. I plan to travel around the state and let students in all regions know we want them in the College, and when they get here we are invested in making sure they are successful.
Having been in Fayetteville a few months, and with stops in Clarksville, Hot Springs, Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Monticello, McGehee and Dumas as part of Chancellor Joe Steinmetz’s Third Annual State Bus Tour, what is your impression of Arkansas?
Agriculture in Arkansas is huge and diverse. There are several large companies that support agricultural, food and life sciences. The state is very diverse in terms of topography and enterprises in each region. The citizens are very friendly and welcoming, and there are a lot of outdoor activities to take advantage of.
What about our college stands out to you?
Pride! Every current student, alum, faculty and staff member I have interacted with is extremely proud of the university. The importance of pride is immeasurable.
Is there anything you want to ask our graduates, friends, donors, supporters and industry partners to do as we move forward?
Stay connected and look for new opportunities coming soon. We are going to be getting students and new faculty off campus and learning what the state has to offer. I hope we can connect with graduates, friends, donors, supporters and industry partners as we travel around. We also hope to have opportunities on campus for them to interact with students.
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