On March 31, the University of Idaho announced that Leslie Edgar will be the new dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. In a press release, Edgar said, “I am honored to lead a college that plays such a vital role across the state.”
She is moving to UI after working as the associate dean of the College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences at Washington State University. She has also worked in similar positions at New Mexico State University, University of Georgia and the University of Arkansas.
Edgar holds a B.A. in animal science, M.A. in technology, education and agricultural systems and a Ph.D in agricultural leadership, education and communication.
An avid writer and researcher, Edgar has released over seventy peer reviewed journal articles, solidifying her place in her field and receiving millions of dollars’ worth of grants and scholarships in various fields.
Edgar is taking over the position from Michael P. Parrella. Parrella is retiring after being a part of the University of Idaho community for nine years. Edgar begins her new role on June 23, 2025.
Austin Kieckhefer can be reached at arg-news@uidaho.edu.