MSU replaces longtime Darr ag school leader

Missouri State University selected a successor to the longtime head of the William H. Darr School of Agriculture.

On Aug. 1, Ronald Del Vecchio will take over for Anson Elliott, who retired Dec. 31. He joined MSU in 1978 and became department head two years later.

“We appreciate the leadership that Anson has provided over the years and the passion he has brought to the program at Missouri State,” said Frank Einhellig, university provost, in a news release. “It has become a magnet for attracting students focused on a future career related to the multiple aspects of agricultural science and business.”

The MSU Board of Governors is expected to confirm Del Vecchio’s appointment during the body’s June 10 meeting. His salary will be $137,000.

Del Vecchio most recently worked 2008-15 as a professor and department head of the agriculture and natural resources department at University of Minnesota-Crookston. At MSU, he’ll be in charge of the School of Agriculture’s employees and facilities, according to the release.

Del Vecchio was chosen after a monthslong national search for Elliott’s successor. MSU spokeswoman Nicki Donnelson said several candidates for the job were brought in for open forums prior to the selection.