Dear friends and colleagues,
Hello, and welcome to the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Maryland. The college, known as AGNR, has roots that run deep into the history of the state as the university's founding institution in 1856. We pride ourselves on excellence in academics, research, and statewide Extension work, with a mission to serve public purpose, feed and nourish communities, steward a healthy planet, and build a sustainable tomorrow. I am humbled and honored to work with such fine faculty and staff, and build on the legacy and reputation of this already outstanding college.
I began my career as an assistant professor and Extension specialist in animal science at Iowa State University, then moved to Michigan State as a full professor before ultimately finding my calling as an administrator. Before coming to AGNR, I served as associate vice president for the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of California, and most recently as dean of the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences at Washington State University.
I am a city kid and went to college thinking I might have a career working in natural resource conservation or as a zoo veterinarian. It wasn't until my second semester as an undergraduate at Cornell that I realized the unlimited career paths working with healthy animals as an animal scientist. This was an eye-opening moment for me, and as a result I became passionate about facilitating the same "aha!" moments for prospective and current students to learn about careers in agriculture and natural resources despite not growing up in a rural environment.
My passion for animals extends to my personal life as my partner, Mark, and I are devoted dog lovers. We currently have four large dogs, two German shepherds and a sibling pair of flat-coated retrievers. When I'm not spending time with my dogs, you can find me enjoying anything related to water, sewing, quilting, or baking.
Maryland and AGNR attracted me for a variety of reasons. The region's topography is incredibly diverse with wide-ranging agricultural commodities, and it is home to the Chesapeake Bay, one of the country's national treasures. UMD and AGNR also benefit from being in Washington D.C.'s backyard, allowing us unmatched access to existing and prospective partners.
Moving forward, I'm committed to working with our faculty and staff to make a true difference in the lives of our students and Marylanders, and to elevate AGNR as one of the best places to study and work in the nation.
I look forward to seeing you around campus, and Go Terps!
Warmly,
Wendy Powers
Dean and Director
Academic Background and Bio for Dr. Powers
Dr. Wendy Powers became dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) at the University of Maryland in July of 2025. In this role, she oversees the College of AGNR’s diverse on-campus departments and programs, serves as director of the college’s statewide non-formal educational outreach system, University of Maryland Extension, and as director of the Maryland Agricultural Experiment Station, which operates four research and education centers located throughout the state.
Prior to joining AGNR, Dr. Powers was the inaugural Cashup Davis Family Endowed Dean of the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences at Washington State University.
Dr. Powers began her career as an assistant professor and extension specialist in animal science at Iowa State University, then moved to Michigan State University, where she served as a full professor in the departments of Animal Science and Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering, Extension specialist, and director of environmental stewardship for animal agriculture in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. She was also the first director of the Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute for Michigan State University Extension.
Dr. Powers came to Washington State University from the University of California, where she had served as associate vice president for the Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources since 2016. She led academic, research, and outreach programs, overseeing county-based cooperative extension outreach, 12 statewide programs and institutes, and nine research and extension centers across California.
To contact Dean Powers's office, call 301-405-2072, or click here.