Washington State University soil scientist Drew Lyon has a new role on campus. Rich Koenig, acting interim dean of the College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) has tapped Lyon to become interim chair of the University’s Department of Crop and Soil Sciences. The appointment runs through June 30th, 2022. Lyon temporarily replaces Koenig, who has severed as chair of the department since 2017.

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One of his biggest challenges will be navigating the department’s departure from Johnson Hall, which is slated for demolition in 2022. Crop and Soil Sciences has a significant footprint in the huge 1960s-era building. Koenig added another major priority for Lyon will be re-engaging faculty, staff, and students with each other after more than a year working from home.

“Drew is very well-known and respected by the Crop and Soil Sciences faculty,” Koenig said. “He’s a great scientist who cares deeply about working with stakeholders and colleagues and will be a great resource as interim chair.”

Lyon has been at WSU since 2012, arriving after spending 22 years working for the University of Nebraska Panhandle Research and Extension Center in Scottsbluff, NE. His term as interim chair runs through June 30th, 2022, at which point the plan is for Koenig to return as chair of Crop and Soil Sciences when a new CAHNRS dean is selected.

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