GFB News Magazine

Toews leading UGA Extension

by Jordan Powers
UGA

Posted on August 28, 2025 11:26 PM

Associate Dean for the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Michael Toews / Photo by Paul Privette courtesy of UGA CAES

As the new associate dean for the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension, Michael Toews says UGA Extension is about people and trust.

“As the flagship land-grant institution in the state of Georgia, everything we do should be focused on farmers, families and communities,” said Toews, who began the new role April 1.

Since joining the Department of Entomology in the UGA College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) in 2006, Toews, whose last name rhymes with waves, has served as a researcher, instructor and Extension specialist. 

He was appointed co-director of the UGA Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health before assuming the role of assistant dean of the UGA Tifton campus in 2020.

“I’ve been working with Dr. Toews since I started here at CAES in 2021, and I’ve consistently found him to be a strong, thoughtful leader who has a real vision for where he wants to go with his teams,” said CAES Dean and Director Nick Place. 

UGA Extension agents, who are experts in agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, and 4-H youth development, play a vital role in UGA’s ability to fulfill the land-grant mission, giving residents of the state access to cutting-edge research and evidence-based decision support.

“I have a passion for agriculture and the people of Georgia. I’m looking forward to leading our Extension programs well into the future,” Toews said. “I see this as an opportunity to continue cementing UGA Extension as the flagship program nationwide.”

Toews plans to address modernizing operations, streamlining reporting and maintaining a strong focus on county program delivery. He also aims to strengthen the connection between urban interests and agricultural career paths while encouraging both traditional and nontraditional scholarly work by Extension professionals.

Learn more about UGA Extension at www.extension.uga.edu. Find local resources and support through your Extension office at www.extension.uga.edu/county-offices.