Extension’s Jemison Receives University of Maine System Trustee Professorship

Contact: John Rebar, 581-2811; John Jemison, 581-3241

ORONO — UMaine Cooperative Extension professor and water quality and soil specialist John Jemison has been awarded a yearlong University of Maine System (UMS) Trustee Professorship.

Qualification criteria for a UMS Trustee Professorship includes the approval of a research proposal that will have significant impact, contribute to an academic field and contribute to the public service mission of the university. The proposal also must enhance an individual’s ability as a faculty member, according to Extension Executive Director John Rebar, who nominated Jemison for the award.

Jemison’s proposal is to study and report on the needs of Maine farmers, opportunities, challenges as they face climate change, rising energy costs, and ways to revitalize the agricultural economy and capitalize on evolving new ways to communicate with the agricultural community. He’ll work to develop a new course in the College of Natural Sciences, Forestry, and Agriculture, a seminar on the subject for faculty and students in the college and new material for an expanded online Extension food system program, in addition to several scholarly articles.

“I was proud and honored to nominate John for the UMS Trustee Professorship,” Rebar says. “His project will focus on determining what it will take to foster and grow agriculture in Maine for future generations. John is the only the second UMaine Extension faculty member to earn this distinction. Many will remember that Rick Kersbergen was also awarded a UMS Trustee Professorship in the past.”

A Trustee Professorship is designed to honor and support outstanding University of Maine System faculty making noteworthy contributions to academic excellence on their campuses and within the system. Candidate recommendations are decided by the chancellor. The professorship includes a $12,500 award to fund the research project.