Fort Valley State University

Fort Valley State University’s College of Agriculture, Home Economics and Allied Programs has recently promoted one of its own.

Dr. Govind Kannan has been named interim assistant dean for research.

“I view Dr. Kannan’s role as a very important role in the triad of research, teaching and extension. The decision to select Dr. Kannan for this position was a decision based on observation over the years in terms of his performance, his relationship with colleagues as well as with staff, and his ability and drive to accomplish goals,” said Dr. Mark Latimore Jr., the College of Agriculture’s interim dean. “I find him to be very successful in managing people and accomplishing his research projects.”

“He’s energetic and believes in the advancement of the research program.”

Kannan will be responsible for directing the day-to-day research efforts for the college including coordinating planned research projects with principal investigators; working with the dean in developing and implementing a strategic plan for the research area of the college; and compiling and submitting U.S. Department of Agriculture reports to the dean who keeps the agency abreast of its funded projects within the college.

Currently, Kannan is the director of the college’s Georgia Small Ruminant Research and Extension Center and a professor of animal science. He will maintain the director’s position until someone is hired as a replacement.

Since joining FVSU as an assistant professor in 1997, Kannan has climbed the ranks to his new position which will streamline activities and improve the efficiency of the research component of the college. He received his doctorate in poultry science from the University of Maryland in 1996. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in veterinary science from Tamilnadu Agricultural University in India.

“I am excited about this new responsibility. The Agricultural Research Station at FVSU is a vibrant and extremely productive unit within the College of Agriculture, Home Economics and Allied Programs,” Kannan said. “There are several outstanding accomplishments by our scientists that people don’t know enough about. My first order of business will be to make their achievements known to everyone, not just to the rest of the campus, but to our stakeholders and academic community throughout the nation.”