A University of Kentucky agronomist is the new director of UK’s Robinson Center for Appalachian Resource Sustainability. David Williams assumed the leadership position April 1.

Located in Breathitt County, the center uses a sustainable approach to enhance the goods, resources, services and economics of Eastern Kentucky and its people. Center personnel engage in extension, instruction, research and development programs to help fulfill the center’s mission and help the region reach its full potential.

 Williams will provide leadership on issues that will enhance long-term, value-added programs in Eastern Kentucky. He will also manage personnel and resources at the experiment station, Robinson Forest and the Wood Utilization Center, which are all part of the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. In addition to the leadership position, Williams will continue his research on agronomic uses for industrial hemp.

“David Williams understands the center’s ability to empower the people of Eastern Kentucky and is ready and willing to work with stakeholders to help the region and its people reach their full potential,” said Rick Bennett, associate dean for research and director of the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station.

A native of St. Albans, West Virginia, Williams received his bachelor’s from Eastern Kentucky University in technical horticulture. He earned his master’s and doctoral degrees from UK in crop science. He has been on the faculty at UK since 1997.

“I’m genuinely excited to become a part of the RCARS team and am looking forward to contributing to the mission,” Williams said.

Press release courtesy of UK CAFE.