Carmen Agouridis has been named associate dean for instruction for the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

An extension associate professor in the UK Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Agouridis received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural and biosystems engineering from the University of Tennessee and a doctorate in that field, as well as a master’s in public policy, from UK. She will receive a master’s degree in business administration from UK in spring 2020. She brings an abundance of experience in teaching, research and outreach to her new role.

“Having been a graduate student, staff member and faculty member in our college, Dr. Agouridis brings a great perspective to this important college leadership position,” said Dean Nancy Cox. “I am confident that her passion for preparing the next generation of students for meaningful lives and careers will continue to foster the college’s strong educational mission.”

Agouridis is director of the Stream and Watershed Science graduate certificate and co-director of the Environmental Engineering undergraduate certificate programs. She teaches courses on stream restoration, low impact development and mine land reclamation. Currently, she and her students are examining methods to improve instream water quality through novel stream restoration techniques; investigating the influence of bulk density on runoff in urban landscapes; exploring alternative uses of stormwater; and evaluating the influence of the forestry reclamation approach on water quality and hydrology on mined lands.

Her research has addressed issues in the natural resources discipline, particularly in the area of watershed health. She has centered her extension efforts on sharing research findings with stakeholders using such methods as outdoor classrooms to enhance STEM and environmental education.

Agouridis said she is looking forward to building on the great work of former associate dean Larry Grabau and the Center for Student Success. She wants to focus on continuing to improve the undergraduate and graduate education experiences.

“Right now I have so many ideas, it’s just a matter of filtering through those ideas to see which ones stand the best chance of making the most impact,” Agouridis said. “I look at our college as part of the wider community. We have such a big impact on the state, and I really want to build on that with our students,” she said. “I want to help create opportunities for our students, so when they graduate, they leave with the best chances for success and improve our state, our country and the world. I’m really excited about that.”

Agouridis began her new duties Aug. 1.