Morris will develop and administer multicultural and gender-based programs that are designed to enhance diversity and provide a supportive environment for students, faculty and staff in Purdue Agriculture. She also will work to increase diversity representation among these groups.

Morris, an associate professor of youth development and agricultural education, has coordinated diversity programming for the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service since 1995. She works with Purdue Extension educators throughout the state on diversity awareness issues and develops programs that serve underrepresented audiences.

Morris will retain her faculty position and split her time between youth development and agricultural education and her new position as assistant dean. She also will work jointly with Purdue Agriculture’s Diversity Action Team, of which she is a member, and serve as a liaison for universitywide diversity initiatives.

Morris joined the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service in 1992 as 4-H youth program director for Marion County. She served in that position until 1995 when she was appointed state program coordinator for 4-H youth. She was named assistant professor in the Department of Youth Development and Agricultural Education in 1998.

McCormick appoints Muehlhausen as new president
PELLA, Iowa — McCormick Tractors International Limited recently announced the appointment of E.W. “Swede” Muehlhausen as president of McCormick International USA in Pella, Iowa.

Muehlhausen is responsible for all aspects of McCormick USA business in the United States.

Muehlhausen has spent the majority of his professional career in the tractor industry, including management roles at Steiger Tractor as vice president of sales and marketing and executive vice president of the Canada division.

In his most recent position, Muehlhausen was responsible for planning and directing sales and distribution activities to expand customer base, market share, and sales potential for Ford Power Products in Dearborn, Mich., while developing and executing advertising and promotional programs to build customer awareness and interest.

Muehlhausen’s education includes St. Cloud State University, and a graduate of the University of Minnesota Executive Program.

Dow Agrosciences executive receives top association award
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Dr. George Oliver, science policy leader, Dow AgroSciences, was presented CropLife America’s (CLA) top honor, the Lea S. Hitchner Service Award, at the association’s annual meeting in Orlando, Fla.

Named for the association’s first and longest serving president, the award is presented annually to that individual demonstrating extraordinary involvement, leadership and contributions to the plant science industry and its association.

Dr. Oliver was recognized for his leadership in chairing the Environmental Human Health Issue Management Team, a group that continues to tackle challenging and emerging health science and policy issues affecting our industry. Most recently, he helped lead the team prepare for the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s Third National Exposure Report.

“George’s leadership has made the Environmental Human Health Issue Management Team one of CLA’s most successful and active teams to date,” said Jay Vroom, President and CEO of CropLife America.

He was also recognized for his dedicated work with CLA’s Strategic Oversight Council for facilitating their long-term strategic plan, which will be critical for the success of the industry over the next three to five years.

Dr. Oliver has held several positions with Dow, where he has worked for 21 years in the areas of exposure, risk assessment and environmental chemistry.

This agribusiness news was published in the November 9, 2005 issue of Farm World.