Tala Awada has been named interim dean and director of the Agricultural Research Division at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her appointment will begin July 1.
Since 2015, Awada has served as associate ARD dean and director. In this role, she has helped guide the research enterprise across UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, overseeing areas such as research administration, faculty development, and strategic initiatives that support sustainable and resilient food systems. She co-leads major research efforts, including Nebraska’s Long-Term Agroecosystem Research (LTAR) Network site and Partnership on Data Innovation (PDI) with U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), and the Food, Agriculture and Environment Security with the National Strategic Research Institute (NSRI), while advancing global collaborations and initiatives in areas like regenerative bioeconomy, grasslands ecology and plant phenomics.
Awada joined the UNL faculty in 1999 as plant ecophysiologist and has since held roles as associate director of the School of Natural Resources and interim director of the School of Natural Resources, where she also is a professor.
“I’m thrilled that Tala Awada will serve as interim dean and director of the Agricultural Research Division at UNL,” said the Tiffany Heng-Moss, NU Vice President and Harlan Vice Chancellor for UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
“Dr. Awada has been instrumental in shaping the strength and direction of our research enterprise, and her leadership as interim dean and director will ensure continued momentum across the Agricultural Research Division.”
Her selection followed a process that sought feedback from leaders, faculty, and staff across IANR and ARD, as well as UNL partners.
“I am honored to continue to work with the talented scientists from across the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources as interim dean and director of the Agricultural Research Division,” said Awada. “Our faculty, students and staff are making an important difference in areas such as digital and precision agriculture, AI, the bioeconomy, food for health, livestock and cropping systems, plant science innovation, nutrition, early childhood development, and stewardship of our natural resources. I also look forward to fostering innovation and empowering our teams to pursue bold, collaborative solutions, while advancing partnerships and strengthening connections across the state and beyond.”
Dr. Awada earned her doctoral degree in plant sciences from the University of Saskatchewan, Canada; a master’s degree in environmental and renewable resources from the Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania, Greece; and a bachelor’s degree in agricultural engineering from the Lebanese University.
Awada will succeed Derek McLean, who last month was announced as the dean of the Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Utah State University. He has served as ARD dean and director since 2023.
