Rosenkrans to lead Clemson Animal and Veterinary Sciences Department

CLEMSON – A seasoned educator and Cooperative Extension Service professional has been tapped to lead Clemson University’s College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Science’s Animal and Veterinary Sciences Department.

Charles F. Rosenkrans Jr. comes to Clemson from the University of Arkansas. He starts August 15. As department chair, Rosenkrans said he plans to work with CAFLS students, faculty, staff and Clemson Extension agents to continue advancing the department and programs.

“I plan to get to know the students, faculty and staff right off the bat,” Rosenkrans said. “I have deep respect for people at Clemson and I want to work with them to improve the already excellent programs in the department.”

Rosenkrans wants to build on the “excellent” reputation the department has in genetics and physiology.

“The Clemson AVS department historically has been a leader in genetics and physiology research,” he said. “The undergraduate program is phenomenal. I want to help improve the doctoral and Extension programs.”

Rosenkrans’ father was an Extension specialist at the University of Missouri. His father started with the Cooperative Extension Service as a 4-H agent before moving to county agent and, finally, as a livestock specialist before he retired.

“I grew up around the Cooperative Extension Service,” Rosenkrans said. “I know what a valuable resource this is and I want to work with Extension agents out in the counties and researchers at the Research and Education Centers to learn what we can do to better help people living in South Carolina.”

Rosenkrans was one of about 40 people who applied for the position.

“I’m excited to have a person of Dr. Rosenkrans’ talent, skills and experience to be our next chair of the Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences,” said Keith Belli, dean and associate vice president of CAFLS and Public Service and Agriculture. “He brings a great deal of enthusiasm and great ideas to help AVS achieve its goals as one of our critical departments in CAFLS.”

Joining Rosenkrans in his move to Clemson will be his wife, Diana Johnson. They have two daughters, Sarah, who lives in West Virginia and Lelia, who will be starting medical school at the University of Arkansas in Little Rock in August.

While at the University of Arkansas, Rosenkrans was director and dean’s fellow of the Bumpers College Honors Program, as well as graduate program coordinator and professor in the Department of Animal Sciences. He graduated from Kansas State University with a doctorate in animal science. He earned master’s and bachelor’s degrees in animal science from the University of Missouri.

-END-