
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, May 11, 1994                   TAG: 9405120013
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-3   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: By ALLISON BLAKE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

EXTENSION SERVICE GIVES ACTING DIRECTOR THE JOB

Bill Allen, who has been interim director of Virginia Tech's budget-battered Virginia Cooperative Extension Service for 20 months, has dropped "interim" from his title.

"I am thrilled to be asked to continue in the director's role," Allen said.

"We will continue to help people improve their lives through education, and we want them to help us by letting us know what kind of work they want us to do," Allen, who was out of town Tuesday, said in a prepared statement.

Allen takes over at a time when Cooperative Extension is trying to recover from $6.4 million in cuts over the past several years. The educational agency, funded by state, federal, and local dollars, dispenses information on agriculture and home economics throughout communities.

An effort to deal with the gaping holes left in some programs by cuts includes putting power into the hands of a local board, which would set priorities and direct extension agents to work with other local government agencies.

In addition, Tech's new president, Paul Torgersen, went to bat for extension during the recent session of the General Assembly. His efforts prompted Gov. George Allen to take the unusual step of appropriating an additional $300,000 for extension during a veto session. For the budget year that starts July 1, extension's funding is down $269,000.

"Dr. Allen has professional and administrative accomplishments that are truly outstanding," Torgersen said. "He will provide courageous and innovative leadership during this important period in the life of Virginia Cooperative Extension."

Andy Swiger, dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, which oversees extension, was equally complimentary of Allen.

"Bill has shown that he can excel at one of the most demanding administrative jobs in Virginia," Swiger said.

Allen, who received his doctorate in entomology at Virginia Tech, began his career as an extension agent in his native Florida. He also holds a master's degree in entomology from Purdue University.

by CNB