Mathews Paret, professor in the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) plant pathology department, will step into the role of department chair starting Sept. 15, 2023.
Paret will lead the department of more than 30 faculty members based on the University of Florida’s Gainesville campus and at research and education centers around the state. Plant pathologists work on the front lines of emerging and economically important diseases that impact food production and farmers’ livelihoods.
“The opportunity to work with highly talented UF/IFAS plant pathologists located through the state of Florida, and help support their research, teaching, and Extension programs, and their professional and personal growth for continued success is the most exciting aspect about this new role,” Paret said.
Paret is currently based at the UF/IFAS North Florida Research and Education Center in Quincy, Florida, where he directs the center’s Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic. Paret serves as core faculty with the UF/IFAS Global Food Systems Institute and conducts international programs in West Africa and Asia to establish integrated pest management centers to improve the livelihoods of farmers in those parts of the world.
Paret also collaborates closely with Florida growers to combat plant diseases affecting the state’s vegetable, ornamental, fruit and other specialty crops.
“Establishing our department as the most visible global leader in research, teaching and Extension on pathogens affecting sub-tropical and tropical crops is of high priority. Empowering students with a broad set of skills including professional and personal development opportunities, and enhanced opportunities for distance education is another major goal. Enhanced engagements with other UF/IFAS departments, research and education centers, county Extension, other universities, federal and state agencies, private industry and many other institutions will be critical,” Paret said.
“Finally, central to my vision for the department is a strong engagement approach that actively supports the needs of our stakeholders in Florida, nationally and internationally. I would like to welcome everyone to connect with our department,” Paret added.