Marion Harris has accepted the position of interim associate dean for academic programs in the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources.

Harris is a professor of entomology and, for the past three years, served as the entomology program leader in NDSU’s School of Natural Resource Sciences.

“Dr. Harris’ exceptional qualifications will allow the college to continue its very positive momentum to enhance academic standards and offerings,” says Ken Grafton, dean of the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources and director of the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station.

Harris earned a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., in 1977, a master’s in entomology from Michigan State University in 1982 and a doctorate in entomology from Michigan State in 1986.

Harris joined NDSU as an associate professor in 2000 and became a full professor in 2007.

“Over the past few years, I have become more and more interested in making sure that NDSU graduates have the requisite skills to be intelligent citizens and competitive job seekers,” she says. “This new position gives me the opportunity to join with CAFSNR faculty to create new and exciting ways to deliver critical content to students while also achieving higher-level outcomes, such as critical and creative thinking.”

Harris replaces Jim Venette, who recently retired after 35 years of service to NDSU.

A national search for a permanent associate dean will begin soon, Grafton says.