Following a national search, Douglas Lantagne, a university extension specialist since 1985, has been appointed director of University of Vermont Extension. Lantagne, a UVM alum who returned to campus after receiving his doctoral degree at Virginia Tech and serving as an extension specialist in Michigan State University's forestry department for 14 years, has held positions as northwest regional chair (1999-2000), associate director (2000-2003) and interim director (2003-2006) of UVM Extension.

As interim director, Lantagne initiated several programs to address financial sustainability, focus program impact, and improve the visibility of extension programming.

"Doug Lantagne's performance as interim director has been outstanding," said John Bramley, UVM provost. "His skills, approach, and experience are just what the institution needs to create an extension service that meets the needs of 21st century Vermont and plays a substantial role in the land grant mission of the university."

"As director, I will continue to work hard to focus program impact on cultivating healthy communities and becoming a more self-sufficient organization widely recognized for our worth, importance and significance in helping people throughout the state," Lantagne said.

Over the past several years, Lantagne has served as chair of both the New England and Northeastern associations of extension directors, and as a member of the national steering committee for the national cooperative extension system (ECOP) and various other committees focusing on the future of the cooperative extension system across the nation.

UVM Extension, established in 1912, is dedicated to the stewardship of Vermont's natural resources and the working landscape. With offices and personnel in 11 of 14 Vermont counties, it continues to serve the state's residents after nearly 95 years by providing research-based educational programs and practical information concerning Vermont communities, families and homes, farms, businesses, and the natural environment.