Please Note: MSU MEMO is archived as a part of Mississippi State University's history. Articles may refer to situations which have changed or people who are no longer affiliated with the university.
 |
February 20, 2006 Volume 30, Issue 23 |
Prof named to national committee
A widely recognized sociologist is a new member of a national committee advising the U.S. agriculture secretary.
Dr. Frank M. Howell, an authority on social statistics, is among nine new members recently appointed by Secretary Mike Johanns to serve a two-year term on the Advisory Committee on Agriculture Statistics. The 25-member body, which represents a broad range of disciplines and interests, held its annual meeting in mid-February in Washington, D.C.
The ACAS advises the agriculture secretary on issues related to the Census of Agriculture, a survey conducted every five years, most recently in 2002. Through its collective expertise, the committee helps the National Agricultural Statistics Service, a USDA agency, keep current with national data needs and trends in a rapidly changing agricultural environment.
Howell is considered a pioneer in the application of geographical information systems in social research. He also is co-founder of the research journal Social Science Computer Review.
“Mississippi State has a long and proud tradition of excellence in social science, particularly as it relates to agriculture and rural health,” said Dean Philip B. Oldham of MSU’s College of Arts and Sciences.
Howell said he feels his work over several decades with the Census of Agriculture, NASS crop statistics, experience with spatial technology, and service as panel manager of the National Research Initiative led to his selection.