The College is pleased to welcome Dr. Sophie Ano as its inaugural Associate Dean of Agriculture and Academics. In this role, Dr. Ano will provide oversight of our campus farm operations and agricultural learning labs, while supervising instructional support staff. She will play a critical role in managing academic and farm budgets, developing new curriculum, and building relationships with industry partners.
“Dr. Ano brings exceptional leadership experience and a deep understanding of our institution’s mission,” said Dr. Darcy Medica, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “We look forward to the fresh perspective and new vision she brings to SUNY Cobleskill. By more closely integrating our working farm operations with hands-on classroom learning, Dr. Ano will help move our academic programs forward in innovative ways.”
Dr. Ano previously served the College from 2014 to 2022 as Assistant and Associate Professor, Department Chair of the Business, Food Services, and Agricultural Management department from 2021 to 2022, and as Presiding Officer of the Faculty from 2020 to 2022.
“Hands-on learning is at the heart of everything we do at SUNY Cobleskill, and I am honored to join a community so deeply committed to experiential education,” said Dr. Ano. “I look forward to supporting our dedicated faculty, staff, and students as we continue to innovate in our classrooms, fields, and labs; ensuring that our facilities remain vibrant spaces for discovery, growth, and real-world learning.”
Her most recent role was as Department Chair of Agriculture at Fort Hays State University in Kansas, a role that saw her acting as liaison with University Farm, managing a large Foundation budget, overseeing facility updates, and creating new courses and opportunities to increase student and public engagement.
