USU Extension to Name New Leadership on November 1
Utah State University Extension will install new directors for its agriculture and county programs on November 1.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in People
Utah State University Extension announced that JayDee Gunnell will become the executive director of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department starting November 1. Concurrently, Jenna Dyckman will assume the role of Cache County Extension director.
Why it matters
These appointments follow a national search conducted by the university to fill key leadership roles within its extension network. The moves aim to strengthen the oversight of agriculture and natural resource programs across the state.
JayDee Gunnell brings 21 years of professional experience to his new role as executive director. Throughout his career, he has mentored more than 1,000 Master Gardener volunteers.
The players
JayDee Gunnell
He is an Extension horticulture professor who has spent over two decades working with Utah State University Extension programs.
Jenna Dyckman
She is an Extension associate professor in the Home and Community Department who will lead the Cache County office.
Utah State University Extension
This organization serves as the public outreach and educational arm of Utah State University, providing resources across the state.
The details
Gunnell currently serves as the Cache County Extension office director and has previously worked within Davis and Salt Lake counties. Dyckman joins the leadership team from her current position as an associate professor in the university's Home and Community Department.
Timeline
JayDee Gunnell and Jenna Dyckman will begin their new roles on Nov. 1, 2026.
Market Landscape
These executive appointments conclude the Utah State University Extension national search process. The transition reflects broader organizational efforts to integrate experienced faculty into administrative leadership roles across regional offices.
Residents and program participants in Cache County and across Utah will interact with new leadership as these directors begin their tenures. These changes may influence the focus or accessibility of local horticultural and community education services.
The takeaway
Effective institutional leadership relies on selecting candidates with deep regional experience and a proven history of community engagement. Readers can monitor university extension newsletters to stay informed about new workshops or programs introduced under this new leadership.
Further reading
Learn more about local appointments in the Utah People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Herald Journal.
