Duane Hauck, Extension Service director for the past seven years, announced he is retiring at the end of the year.
"After 35 1/2 years in Extension, I feel it's time to look at what the next stage of life provides," the 58-year-old Hauck says. "The Extension Service has great support and a good budget. We have a solid administrative team and excellent agents, specialists and staff. Things are in great shape, which should make for a smooth transition to a new director."
Hauck joined the NDSU Extension Service after graduating from NDSU with a bachelor’s degree in mechanized agriculture in 1976. He started as an assistant agent in Stutsman County. He held roles as an associate agent in Ward County, an Extension associate in what was then NDSU’s agricultural engineering department, a Cass County Extension agent, district director and assistant Extension director before being named Extension Service director in 2004.
"Duane's career with the NDSU Extension Service has been outstanding," says D.C. Coston, NDSU vice president for agriculture and university Extension. "In recent years as director, he has done a tremendous job of leading the organization in many innovations in programming and delivery.
"He is respected by his colleagues," Coston adds. "He is known and trusted by leaders and citizens. North Dakota has been richly blessed through his abiding commitment to the state and from his high standard of personal integrity."