John Fulton Named Dean’s Chair in Precision Agriculture

Ohio State names John Fulton as Dean’s chair to advance AI and Precision Agriculture in Extension programs across Ohio.

• Bonnie Johnson
• June 12, 2026
• Media Article

Dr. John Fulton has been named a CFAES Dean’s Chair at Ohio State from 2026 to 2030 to lead initiatives exploring ethical, people-focused AI applications within OSU Extension.

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John Fulton has been named a Dean’s Chair in The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), with his appointment running from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2030.
 

The recognition highlights his contributions to precision and digital agriculture while supporting the college’s strategic efforts to explore the role of artificial intelligence within Ohio State University Extension.
 

Dean’s Chair appointments are awarded to faculty members whose teaching, research, and outreach efforts advance key priorities for the college and create meaningful benefits for Ohio’s agricultural sector and communities.
 

In his new role, Fulton will lead initiatives that examine how AI can enhance Extension programs while promoting ethical, transparent, and people-focused applications of the technology.
 

“Dr. Fulton is a nationally recognized leader in precision and digital agriculture whose work has consistently focused on delivering practical, research-based solutions to producers and communities,” said Cathann A. Kress, Ohio State vice president for agricultural administration and CFAES dean.
 

“Through this Dean’s Chair appointment, he will help us evaluate how AI can support Extension professionals and the people they serve in ways that are responsible, transparent, and aligned with our land-grant mission.”
 

Fulton is a professor in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, where his research centers on precision agriculture, machinery automation, digital technologies, and data analytics that improve crop production efficiency.
 

Fulton also works closely with Ohio farmers and industry partners through Extension programs, including the eFields on-farm research initiative, which uses field data to support management decisions.
 

“I am honored by this appointment and grateful for the opportunity to help shape how AI is used within Extension,” Fulton said. “My goal is to work closely with Extension professionals, researchers, and partners across Ohio to develop tools and approaches that make AI understandable, trustworthy, and genuinely useful in supporting farmers, families, and communities.”
 

Fulton earned his undergraduate degree in physics from Wittenberg University and later completed both his master’s and doctoral degrees in agricultural engineering at the University of Kentucky.
 

Photo by: cfaes.osu.edu