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March 18, 2002 Volume 26, Issue 29 |
Frank B. Matta
Frank B. Matta has been named interim head of the Department of Plant and Soil Sciences.
Matta, a research horticulturist and 17-year MSU faculty member, succeeds Clarence E. Watson Jr., who recently was named associate director for the Mississippi Agriculture and Forestry Experiment Station. Matta will serve as interim head until a permanent head is appointed.
"Dr. Matta has long service and experience with the plant and soil sciences department," said Dr. Vance Watson, interim vice president for agriculture, forestry and veterinary medicine. "I'm confident that he'll provide excellent leadership with his understanding of the department's goals and mission."
Matta earned a bachelor's degree in biology and a master's in horticulture from New Mexico State University. He holds a doctorate in horticulture from Texas A&M University.
He began his career at MSU in 1986 and has conducted research on peaches, pecans and small fruits. He is responsible for statewide fruit research at three experiment station locations.
Before coming to MSU, Matta served as resident director of the Agricultural Science Center at New Mexico State University Agricultural Experiment Station.