UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — László Kulcsár has been named interim dean of Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, effective Sept. 18.
Kulcsár, who currently serves as interim senior associate dean of the college, will take over for Rick Roush, who is retiring after nine years of service to the University.
Roush noted that Kulcsár is widely recognized for his demography and development sociology work, with significant interdisciplinary research experience in environmental and social science.
“Further, having served as a department head and more recently as interim senior associate dean, László possesses a deep understanding of the college,” Roush said. “His exceptional leadership acumen will help advance the College of Agricultural Sciences to the forefront of tackling agricultural and environmental challenges, not just for Pennsylvania’s residents, but on a national and global scale.”
As interim dean, Kulcsár will oversee the college’s educational, research, governmental, alumni and industry relations programs and Penn State Extension, focusing on critical issues facing agriculture and rural communities in Pennsylvania, including water quality, food security, technology, health and resilience.
Kulcsár joined Penn State in 2017 as the head of the Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education. Earlier this year, he was named interim senior associate dean, a role that focuses on the day-to-day operation of the college, including the administration and implementation of programs, policy and procedures; promotion and tenure; hiring and retention; facilities and land; and external relations.
“Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences is a pioneer in agricultural research and education, fostering the pursuit of knowledge and innovative solutions that enhance the quality of life and build community resilience,” said Kulcsár. “Our college is at the forefront of the land-grant mission of the University, not just in teaching and research, but most importantly through Penn State Extension. It is an honor to guide this dedicated community of faculty, staff and students toward meaningful global impact.”
After earning two master’s degrees in Hungary, Kulcsár received his doctorate from Cornell University. He then served as professor of sociology and head of the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Social Work at Kansas State University.
His research examined how environmental change — water shortages, for example — affects and is affected by uneven development and spatial inequality, and he has extensive experience conducting collaborative research with natural scientists.
Kulcsár has been the principal investigator or co-principal investigator on large multidisciplinary grants from the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Science Foundation. He has published widely in the areas of rural demographic challenges in both the U.S. and Europe and the social impact of environmental change. He also served as editor of the journal Rural Sociology.