Contact: Maridith Geuder
The Water Resources Research Institute director at Mississippi State is the university's interim associate vice president for research.
Jonathan Pote, a professor of agricultural and biological engineering, has extensive research experience in the areas of water chemistry, water quality, water management and conservation, aquaculture, environmental planning, and alternative agriculture. A member of the faculty since 1985, he has led the MSU-based institute since 1992.
Established by Congress in 1964, the institute, like those in every other state and Puerto Rico, works with citizens, water users and water managers in a continuing effort to improve the stewardship of water. A federal-state collaboration, it receives funding from the state Legislature and federal Department of Interior.
"Dr. Pote has a proven track record in taking a research institute to new levels of external funding," said Vice President for Research Robert A. Altenkirch. "He will be an important participant in several major initiatives."
Among Pote's major responsibilities will be the transfer of responsibility for graduate programs to the Office of Research, development of strategic areas of research investment and coordination of university centers and institutes.
"Based on his background experience, he also will provide an important link with the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine," Altenkirch added.
Pote is president-elect of the National Institutes of Water Resources and serves as chair of the Policy, Legislation and Administration Committee of the Universities Council on Water Resources.
He holds a bachelor's degree from Hendrix College in Conway, Ark., a master's from Oregon State University and a doctorate from the University of Arkansas.