Nav Ghimire is Appointed as Associate Dean of Nebraska Extension

Nav Ghimire has been appointed as the associate dean, Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) focus of Nebraska Extension at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, pending approval by the NU Board of Regents. He will start in June 2024.

Ghimire, currently serving as the associate director and program evaluation leader for University of Idaho Extension, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role. Selected after a national search, Ghimire emerged as the top choice among three finalists to assist the Dean and Director of Nebraska Extension.

Ghimire, a professor of Agricultural and Extension Education, provides leadership to seven program teams in Idaho and brings team building, program development, outcome assessment, and impact reporting. With a strong belief in the land-grant mission of "teaching, research and Extension," Ghimire is dedicated to improving lives through his work.

Ghimire began as an assistant soil scientist in Nepal before pursuing advanced degrees abroad. He earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Nepal, a master's degree from the University of Melbourne in Australia, and a doctorate in agricultural education and extension from Iowa State University. Throughout his career, Ghimire has been recognized for his excellence, receiving accolades such as the Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Community Engagement from the University of Wisconsin and a Research Excellence Award from Iowa State University.

"I am honored to join Nebraska Extension and contribute to its impactful work,” Ghimire said. “I look forward to collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders to advance the mission of extension and serve the people of Nebraska."

The focus of the ANR associate dean is to initiate, build, and enhance the overall effectiveness of ANR Extension programs through leadership and coaching of Extension program area leaders, specialists, educators, and instructors to nurture the development of relevant, high impact educational and experiential educational programs, resource development, and talent acquisition.

Working within IANR, across UNL and with external stakeholders and agencies they are also responsible to identify and pursue opportunities for program integration and collaboration to address critical, evolving, and/or complex challenges faced by Nebraskans. 

"Nav Ghimire's extensive experience and dedication to the land-grant mission make him an exceptional choice for this role,” said Charlie Stoltenow, dean and director of Nebraska Extension. “We are thrilled to welcome him to our team and look forward to the positive impact he will make on our extension programs."