Two University of Kentucky Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment faculty members with a long history of leadership will assume acting positions for UK Cooperative Extension Service and UK Land-grant Engagement. This follows the recent Martin-Gatton CAFE dean appointment of Laura Stephenson, who currently holds both roles at Martin-Gatton CAFE.

Craig Wood will serve as acting associate dean and director of the UK Extension Service beginning on January 1, 2025. Wood has served as assistant director of the agriculture and natural resources (ANR) program since 2018.

Jennifer Hunter will serve as acting associate vice president of UK Land-grant Engagement also beginning on January 1. Hunter has served as assistant director of the family and consumer sciences (FCS) program since 2018 and as director of the School of Human and Environmental Sciences since 2021.

“Ensuring that Extension continues to flourish as we conduct a search for the next associate dean and director and associate vice-president is paramount,” said Stephenson. “Craig and Jennifer are innovative, thoughtful leaders. I know they will serve extension and the university well during this transition.”

Craig Wood biography

Craig H. Wood is a distinguished leader in the field of agriculture and natural resources. Serving as the assistant director of extension for Agriculture and Natural Resources at Martin-Gatton CAFE, Wood provides visionary leadership for ANR and Horticulture agents, associates, extension specialists and programs. His responsibilities include program development, implementation and fostering internal and external collaborations, particularly with Kentucky's 1862 and 1890 Land Grant partnerships.

Wood has received numerous accolades, including the Equine Science Society Distinguished Service Award (2021), Equine Science Society Fellow Award (2019), the American Paint Horse Association Hall of Fame (2023) and the USDA Secretary’s Honor Award (2008). His contributions to distance education and extension programs have been widely recognized. Wood has authored numerous publications in refereed journals, conference proceedings, and extension publications. He has also developed various online courses, instructional materials, and multimedia resources, significantly contributing to the field of agricultural education.

Wood has an extensive background in supporting faculty, both in Kentucky and across the country, in developing and delivering extension, research and instructional material using various medium and technologies. He has served on the board of directors and in officer roles for the Equine Science Society and the American Paint Horse Association. His leadership and expertise have made a lasting impact on the agricultural community.

Wood has secured over $13 million in grants and contracts. Examples in extramural funding include USDA New Technologies for Agriculture Extension, USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, and USDA Higher Education Challenge Grant.

Jennifer Hunter biography

A native Kentuckian and Martin-Gatton CAFE alum, Dr. Jennifer Hunter began her career with the University of Kentucky in 2001. She holds dual administrative appointments as Director of the School of Human Environmental Sciences and Assistant Extension Director for Family and Consumer Sciences. Dr. Hunter's extensive experience includes roles as County Extension Agent, Extension Specialist, Professor, Unit Head, and Academic Unit Leader.

Dr. Hunter's programming is distinguished by her contributions to translational research, applied scholarship, and community-focused solutions. As a visioning partner on the 2022 UK Engage Initiative Visioning Committee, she has prioritized advancing land-grant engagement within Martin-Gatton CAFE and the University of Kentucky. Her expertise in both traditional agricultural disciplines and human environmental sciences enables her to lead effective transdisciplinary teams.

Dr. Hunter has advanced the university’s public engagement mission through pivotal partnerships, fostering engaged scholarship and addressing critical community issues. Over her career, she has secured over $75 million in external grants and contracts, delivered over 850 Extension educational programs, and authored over 160 print and electronic publications, demonstrating her commitment to impactful community engagement and scholarship.

To learn more about Martin-Gatton CAFE, visit ca.uky.edu.

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