Greg Yarrow, who has served at Clemson as a professor of wildlife ecology since 1988, has been named acting dean of the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences (CAFLS), effective Monday, August 14, 2023, as current dean, Keith Belli, takes a new role at Clemson. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Trustees approved the appointment on Wednesday, August 9.
A certified wildlife biologist by The Wildlife Society and professor of wildlife ecology in Clemson’s Forestry and Environmental Conservation Department, Yarrow served as chair of the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation from 2012 until 2019. He is a member of The Wildlife Society, the Society of American Foresters and is a member and past president of The South Carolina Chapter of The Wildlife Society. Yarrow is the author of the book, “Managing Wildlife,” and also serves as faculty advisor to the Clemson University Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society. In 2020, Yarrow received the Thomas Green Clemson Award for his efforts and impact on students and contributions to Clemson University.
His past outreach activities have included developing and delivering educational programs in wildlife conservation in managed systems (forestry and agricultural production), mitigating human-wildlife conflicts through wildlife damage management techniques and maintaining and enhancing biodiversity in managed landscapes. Applied research that addresses current and future wildlife conservation needs of Extension clientele – including private landowners, natural resource professionals, government officials, public policy makers and the general public – has also been a part of Extension efforts.
Greg’s expertise and commitment to our land grant legacy will serve the University well during this transition as we continue to improve the lives of South Carolinians through education, discovery and outreach in the agricultural and life sciences.”
Clemson University Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Robert H. Jones
During Belli’s tenure as dean, he created a culture where CAFLS’ academics, research and Extension components operated seamlessly, efficiently and effectively to prepare students to become leaders in their chosen careers while leveraging the college’s state-wide research and Extension infrastructure in support of a South Carolina agribusiness industry with a $42 billion annual economic impact.
He will continue to serve Clemson University by focusing on his role as associate vice president of Clemson Public Service and Agriculture (PSA), a state agency comprised of regulatory units that safeguard the health and safety of livestock, poultry and companion animals, protect the food supply and public health of South Carolinians and ensure the safe, effective use of fertilizers and pesticides, the quality of seeds and plants grown in the state and conducts programs that prevent agroterrorism.
A national search for the permanent dean will begin during the Fall.