USU Extension Names New Executive Director for Ag and Natural Resources
By Julene Reese | October 28, 2026
After a national search, Utah State University Extension Vice President Justen Smith named JayDee Gunnell executive director of USU Extension’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Department.
Gunnell is an Extension horticulture professor and brings 21 years of experience to the role. He currently serves as county director for the Cache County Extension office and previously worked in Davis and Salt Lake counties. His expertise includes landscape plant selection and water-wise landscaping, and he has taught more than 1,000 Master Gardener volunteers.
“JayDee understands both the history and the potential of USU Extension,” said Smith. “He has worked at the county, regional, and statewide levels, and has done a great job of building relationships with elected officials, donors, and industry partners who have helped grow Extension.”
Gunnell’s personal philosophy is that the beauty of any landscape or garden is proportionate to the shadow cast by the gardener.
As he steps into his new role, he said, “I am excited to focus my efforts and energy on sharing the accomplishments and impact of the amazing Extension faculty around the state.”
Gunnell replaces Smith as director of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Department. Jenna Dyckman, Extension associate professor in the Home and Community Department, will fill Gunnell’s former role as Cache County Extension director. Both appointments begin November 1.
Contact
Julene Reese
Julene.Reese@usu.edu
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