Robert N. Corley III, Ph. D. brings decades of interdisciplinary experience, integrity, inclusion and innovation to his role. 

Contact: Erica Shambley, Director of Marketing and Communications, VSU College of Agriculture, at eshambley@vsu.edu, 804-524-5965 (office) or 804-584-0134 (mobile) 

ETTRICK, Va.—Robert N. Corley III, Ph. D., who served as the Interim Dean and 1890 Extension Administrator of the College of Agriculture at Virginia State University after the retirement of M. Ray McKinnie, Ph. D., in June 2022, has been formally appointed to the position effective immediately.   

As dean, Corley will provide administrative oversight for the college’s academic departments (agriculture, family and consumer sciences, and hospitality management), and its agricultural research and Cooperative Extension programs. In so doing, he will advance the university’s strategic goals to expand student access and opportunities, promote academic excellence, provide a holistic student experience, enhance the land-grant mission, advance the VSU brand and ensure financial and operational effectiveness.  

"Dr. Corley has an impressive record of teaching, research, outreach and administrative accomplishments at VSU. His leadership has already yielded positive results for our College of Agriculture, and under his guidance, I know the program will continue on a path of growth and even greater success,” said VSU President Dr. Makola M. Abdullah. 

Corley III  brings a wealth of educational and professional experiences to his new position. Prior to this appointment, he served as the vice-provost for Academic and Student Affairs, COVID-19 Response director and project director for the Wallace Foundation’s national University Principal Preparation Initiative at Virginia State University. He previously served the university as associate vice-provost for Graduate Programs, interim dean for the College of Education, interim academic dean for the College of Agriculture and chair of the department of Agriculture and Human Ecology. Prior to his 15-year tenure at VSU he served his previous institution for nine years as a SACSCOC lead, faculty senate chair, consult to the National Center for Bio-Ethics in Healthcare and Research and as coordinator of the animal, poultry and veterinary sciences program.  

As a leader, Corley sets and exemplifies high standards, engages authentically, manages talent effectively, and facilitates professional communities to accomplish a shared vision and develop inclusion excellence. 

He holds a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Animal and Poultry Sciences from Tuskegee University, and a Ph.D. in Animal Sciences with a specialization in Nutrition and Biological/Mathematical Modeling from the University of Illinois. 

Before becoming an administrator, he received a U.S. patent, authored over 42 various publications, attended multiple leadership development programs and served as the principal investigator (PI) or co-PI securing over $9.2 million across capacity-building areas for Animal/Human Health and Nutrition, Leadership Development and Academic Innovation, and more. 

In accepting the position, Corley said he was thankful to have the opportunity to serve the university and the Commonwealth. “I am excited to take the lead as dean and 1890 Administrator for the college as we welcome one of our largest incoming freshman classes in years,” said Corley. As a learner-centered leader, he is committed to enhancing student success, experiential learning & workforce development; agricultural innovation, integration and sustainability; and the integrated well-being of the family.  

“Agriculture is basis of human existence,” said Corley, who often refers to it as the original STEM and acknowledges that food security strengthens our national security.  We must prepare the next generation for careers in the food, agricultural, environmental, human and natural resource sciences that meet local, national and global challenges. From promoting family well-being and addressing food equity to mitigating climate change, those in agricultural academics, research and Extension have a pivotal role to play in providing transformational leadership and innovative solutions.” 

Virginia Farm Bureau’s website notes, “Agriculture is Virginia’s largest private industry by far. The industry has an economic impact of $82.3 billion annually and provides more than 381,800 jobs in the commonwealth. The industries of agriculture and forestry together have a total economic impact of $105 billion and provide more than 490,000 jobs in the commonwealth. Every job in agriculture and forestry supports 1.6 jobs elsewhere in Virginia’s economy.” 

A 2015-2020 research study conducted in the U.S. by the USDA NIFA and Purdue predicts 57,900 annual job openings for graduates with bachelor’s or higher degrees in agriculture and related fields. Nearly half those jobs will be in management and business and 27% in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Based on current trends, the industry expects an annual shortage of 22,500 agriculture graduates. 

“VSU College of Agriculture, the Agriculture Research Station and Virginia Cooperative Extension are uniquely positioned to foster new transdisciplinary partnerships across the university, Commonwealth and nation which support academic innovations and new discoveries capable of improving the social, economic and health outcomes for all people,” said Corley  

Founded in 1882, Virginia State University is one of Virginia’s two land-grant institutions and is located 20 minutes south of Richmond in the village of Ettrick. It is one of only three colleges or universities in Virginia to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture.   

“GREATER Happens Here at VSU,” said Corley, “And Greater GROWS Here at the College of Agriculture where seeds of knowledge are planted and watered, careers bud and blossom, and fruits of our labor transform the lives of students, families, communities and nations.” 

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