College names new head of Agricultural Communications
>>Print ViewPublication Date: 11/03/2009
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Purdue officials announced Monday that Beth Forbes was selected as the head of the College of Agriculture’s Department of Agricultural Communication after acting as the interim head since March 2009.
“I really enjoy my job so much ... it’s fun and exciting,” Forbes said.
As the head of this department, Forbes will oversee 40 staff members involved in developing agricultural exhibits, publications, news releases and more - including a toll-free information line and an educational store.
Summarizing her department’s role, Forbes said the goal is to deliver beneficial, research-based scientific information to the public in desired formats.
Before acting as the interim head, she worked as the coordinator of the news and public affairs unit in Agricultural Communications. She started in Purdue University Relations in 1988. During her tenure, she not only worked on a University public affairs program, “Purdue: A Closer Look,” but also earned her master’s degree in organizational leadership.
Looking to the future, Forbes said, “We have some new and exciting challenges coming up.”
Among these challenges, according to dean of agriculture Jay Akridge, is trying new methods of delivering information to “stakeholders” across the state so they can make informed decisions.
“There are many new ways to communicate with those we serve. There is a lot of exciting science to share. And we have a fundamental role as a land grant university to help people improve their lives and livelihoods through the work we do,” Akridge said. “Beth (Forbes) will lead a unit that has a key role in making all this happen.”