SDSU Appoints Mandy Marney to Lead Extension Programs

Experienced Leader Marney Takes Charge of SDSU Outreach

Bonnie Johnson
June 30, 2026
Media Article

Mandy Marney was named director of SDSU Extension and associate dean, bringing broad experience to lead statewide programs while focusing on collaboration, innovation, and community engagement.

Mandy Marney has been named director of South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension and associate dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. She assumed the role on June 22 in Brookings, South Dakota.

Joe Cassady, SD Corn Endowed Dean, highlighted Marney’s extensive experience and leadership in extension work and expressed enthusiasm about her addition to the college’s administrative team.

Before joining SDSU, Marney held similar leadership positions at the University of Wyoming. Her career also includes roles with Kansas State University Research and Extension, University of Missouri Extension, and the Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station. She earned her bachelor’s degree in agricultural journalism, a master’s degree in environment and behavior, and a doctorate in human environmental sciences from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

In her new role, Marney will lead SDSU Extension, the university’s statewide outreach arm. The organization serves communities across South Dakota by providing practical, research-based information. Its programs focus on Agriculture and Natural Resources, Community Vitality, Family, Food and Wellness, and 4-H Youth Development. SDSU Extension operates offices in nearly every county, along with eight regional centers.

Marney plans to prioritize listening, learning, and fostering relationships during her first year. She aims to strengthen collaboration within the organization and across the communities it serves while supporting innovation. At the same time, she intends to maintain and build on the strong traditions that have contributed to SDSU Extension’s long-standing success.

She also emphasized the importance of evaluating current programs, understanding what is working well, and identifying opportunities for growth to better serve South Dakotans statewide.

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