Utah State University President Brad Mortensen has named Justen Smith as the next vice president for USU Extension after a national search. Smith has served as interim vice president since March. Before that temporary appointment, he served as director of the USU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Department and as the director of the Northern Region Extension.

“Justen understands both the history and the potential of USU Extension,” Mortensen said. “He has worked at the county, regional and statewide levels, and he knows that our responsibility is not simply to preserve what Extension has been, but to continually ask what Utah needs from its land-grant university today and into the future and how we can work together to meet those needs.”

During his nearly three decades with USU Extension, Smith has secured more than $11 million in grants and external funding to support Extension initiatives and agricultural development, oversaw operations in counties throughout the state, and led the effort to secure $1.2 million for the construction of the USU Extension building in Davis County, creating a dedicated space for agricultural education and outreach.

"USU Extension is an essential part of Utah State University’s land-grant mission, and I am honored that President Mortensen and the board of trustees have entrusted me to lead this incredible 112-year-old organization,” Smith said. “USU Extension provides research-based, factual, technical information to Utahns across the state. Extension literally extends the tremendous resources of USU to the people and exhibits measurable statewide impact, economic return on investment, and solutions to Utah’s biggest challenges. I am excited to be part of such rewarding work and know that positive impacts are ahead in partnership with our elected officials, industry leaders, and academic partners."

Smith’s contributions extend well beyond Utah and the U.S. He has worked in 24 countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, providing technical assistance to farmers and agricultural organizations. His work with USDA, USAID, and multiple international organizations has helped improve livestock production, enhance food security, and develop sustainable agricultural practices in diverse regions throughout the world.


About USU Extension

Utah State University Extension provides research-based programs and resources with the goal of improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities in all 29 Utah counties. USU Extension plays a primary role in helping Utah State University fulfill its land-grant mission, operating through a cooperative agreement between the United States Department of Agriculture, Utah State University, and county governments. For more information about individual county offices and Extension programs, visit extension.usu.edu.