URBANA, IL (Chambana Today) — The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has named Dr. Matthew Vann as the new associate dean and director of Illinois Extension, the public engagement arm of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES).

Vann, currently serving as interim associate director for Agriculture & Natural Resources and Community & Rural Development at North Carolina State University, brings extensive experience in Extension leadership, applied research, and stakeholder engagement. He will assume his new role on September 22, succeeding interim director Dr. Durriyyah Kemp, who will continue as associate director for Region 1.

“This is a pivotal time for Illinois Extension,” said ACES Dean Germán Bollero. “Dr. Vann brings the vision and collaborative leadership we need to navigate challenges and reimagine our community impact.”

Vann’s appointment comes on the heels of a major shift in federal policy. The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”, passed on July 4, 2025, eliminated funding for the SNAP-Ed program nationwide. In Illinois, SNAP-Ed was delivered through Extension’s Eat.Move.Save. initiative, reaching more than 1 million residents annually. The program’s termination has resulted in major staff reductions and the end of nutrition education services.

Originally from rural Florida, Vann is no stranger to Extension’s roots. Raised on a family farm where his father served as a county Extension agent, he has built a career grounded in service and agricultural advancement. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida, and both his master’s and Ph.D. in crop science from NC State.

“I am honored to step into this role at such a critical moment,” Vann said. “Extension has always been about listening and responding to community needs — and that’s exactly what we will do as we move forward together.”