QUICKSAND, Ky., (March 18, 2020) — The University of Kentucky Robinson Center for Appalachian Resource Sustainability has a new director. Daniel Wilson has accepted the position at the University College of Agriculture, Food and Environment’s research station in Eastern Kentucky, which took effect on March 15.

Wilson will continue in his current position as East Region director for UK Cooperative Extension. In addition, Dean Nancy Cox announced two other new positions: Bobby Ammerman, assistant director of the Wood Utilization Center, and J. Wade Turner, assistant director of farm operations. The position of Robinson Forest assistant director is currently vacant.

“This reorganization of RCARS’s administrative structure is designed to best serve the region, strengthen the engagement of the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources and provide extension leadership for the center,” Cox said. “A driving force of this reorganization was the leadership of the late David Williams. We believe this administrative structure will build on his exceptional leadership to serve our stakeholders and our academic missions.” 

Wilson grew up on his family’s farm in Jackson County. He earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture education from the University of Tennessee. As part of his student teaching, Wilson taught high school agriculture in Broken Hill, Australia, for three months. He received a master’s degree from UK in career, technical and leadership education and then began his career with UK Extension in 2006, as the East Region animal ID assistant. He then accepted the position as agriculture and natural resources extension agent in Wolfe County, where he educated clientele for nearly 10 years. In 2016, he transitioned to the role as director for extension’s district 2, which includes 16 counties in southeastern Kentucky.

“I see RCARS as a unifier for our region, for extension, for research and for the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources,” Wilson said. “I want all the great things that we have going on right now to continue, and then I want to look for other great opportunities in the region, to be successful for our people, for our employees and for the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.”

The Robinson Center is located in Quicksand in Breathitt County. Its mission is to increase the long-term income and flow of economic, ecological and social goods and services from the land, natural resources and people of Eastern Kentucky and the Appalachian Region.