Laura Perry Johnson has been named the director of UGA Extension beginning Jan. 1.
“We are confident Laura will take UGA Extension in new and exciting directions,” said J. Scott Angle, dean and director of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. “Her wealth of experience and deep understanding of the state and the needs of those we serve will be invaluable.”
Perry Johnson, whose official title will be associate dean of extension, is currently the district extension director for southwest Georgia, where she manages faculty, staff and UGA Extension programs for 41 counties. She has been with the college for 25 years, serving as a graduate teaching and research assistant, laboratory technician, youth livestock specialist and district 4-H program development coordinator before becoming district director.
Perry Johnson has bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in animal and dairy science from the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. She currently holds the rank of senior public service associate within the UGA public service faculty system.
“When I (started at) the University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences as a student in 1983, I had no idea where that would lead me,” Perry Johnson said. “But it’s my belief in this organization and the work we do that has kept me here. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to help continue to move the organization forward and enhance our reputation as one of the premier Extension organizations in the nation.”
