Jan P. Nyrop (Retired June 2023)
Former Goichman Family Director of Cornell AgriTech at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station and Associate Dean, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University
Jan P. Nyrop was named Senior Associate Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University in 2007. In 2015 he was appointed as the Director of the Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station and Associate Dean, and in 2017 he was honored as the “best of the best” as the endowed Goichman Family Director, Cornell AgriTech at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station.
At Cornell, Jan was instrumental in establishing the Cornell Institute for Digital Agriculture and the Center of Excellence in Food and Agriculture at Cornell AgriTech. His commitment to research excellence extended to Cornell undergraduates and is exemplified in AgriTech’s Summer Scholars Program. This summer experience led many student scholars into graduate study programs and/or careers in agriculture.
Jan was NERA’s senior statesman and mentor. At the time of his retirement, he had served the Association longer than any other current NERA member. Jan lent his intellect, administrative acumen, disciplinary expertise, and time to the members of NERA selflessly, graciously, and competently. During his tenure with NERA Jan chaired ESCOP committees like the National Plant Germplasm Coordinating Committee and served as an invaluable Administrative Advisor to four regional multistate committees. Jan’s true legacy to the region and to the Experiment Station Section was his service as chair of NERA and chair of NERA’s Multistate Activities Committee (MAC). Jan was a model leader of the MAC. He provided thoughtful input and prodded both the MAC and the multistate technical committees to think big and inclusively. As chair of NERA, Jan applied a similar mindset and challenged NERA directors to reimagine the experiment station. When Jan hosted difficult discussions, he did so deliberately and empathetically. He led by example, acted with humility, listened mindfully, and built a culture of trust.
Dr. Nyrop received a B.S. in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Maine, M.S. degrees in Entomology and in Systems Engineering as well as a Ph.D. in Entomology from Michigan State University.