MSU News Service
BOZEMAN – President Barack Obama has announced his intent to appoint Montana State University President Waded Cruzado to the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development.
Cruzado is among seven individuals appointed to what the White House described as “key Administration posts,” in a Nov. 28 press release. Brady J. Deaton and Harold L. Martin, Sr. were also appointed to the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development, with Deaton as Chairman.
“The extraordinary dedication these individuals bring to their new roles will greatly serve the American people,” President Obama said in the release.
The Board for International Food and Agricultural Development, BIFAD, advises USAID on agriculture and higher education issues pertinent to food insecurity in developing countries. Its members, appointed by the President, primarily represent the academic community. The Board recognizes the critical role of U.S. land-grant institutions in agricultural development, domestically and abroad, and support their representation in USAID development programs, according to the BIFAD’s website.
“Through this appointment, I look forward to helping advise the U.S. Agency for International Development on nutrition and global agricultural issues and Projects,” Cruzado said.
Montana senators Max Baucus and Jon Tester offered congratulations to Cruzado on her appointment.
“Waded is a tremendous educator and a talented leader,” Sen. Tester said. “During her tenure, Montana State has grown as a leader in agriculture research and strengthened our number one industry. Her talent and hard work will help solve one of the world’s greatest problems – global hunger.”
Cruzado took office as MSU’s 12th president on Jan. 4, 2010. She is a champion of the land-grant universities’ mission of education, research and public outreach, and also the role of higher education in the development of individuals and national prosperity.
Previously, Cruzado served as Executive Vice President and Provost of New Mexico State University, and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Prior to that, she held faculty and administrative positions at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, including Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Dr. Cruzado received a B.A. from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez and an M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Texas, Arlington.
