CNR Associate Dean Jackson B. (J.B.) Jett to Retire /
Robison and Bardon Appointed

Media Contact:  Tilla Fearn, NC State College of Natural Resources, (919) 513-4644

February 16, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

After 40 years of service to NC State University as a researcher, teacher and administrator, Dr. Jackson B. (J.B.) Jett is retiring at the end of February 2009.  Dr. Jett served for 26 years with NC State's Cooperative Tree Improvement Program.  In 1994, Dr. Jett was appointed to his current position as Associate Dean of Research and Extension.  While Associate Dean, he served several months as Acting Dean of the College, followed by 18 months as Interim Dean. 

As an administrator, Dr. Jett embraced his role, working tirelessly to facilitate the discovery of new knowledge and the transfer of information from the college to landowners, businesses, organizations and communities across North Carolina, the country, and the world.  His contributions reach far beyond his roots as a soil scientist. During his years at NC State, Dr. Jett very much enjoyed working with industry partners and teaching and mentoring graduate students.   

He is exceptionally proud of the accomplishments of his research office team and the support they provide to the College’s faculty.   “2008 was a banner funding year for us, with a 36% increase in contracts and grants,” says Jett. “I’m proud of the track record of our office.  Despite constant demands and deadlines, the staff always came through.  There are great people here and I know they will continue doing a top notch job. It’s tough to be leaving a place where I’m spent so much of my life, I’ve loved every minute of it.”  

Dr. Jett is looking forward to having a more time to spend with his grandchildren and his wife, Dee; and is hoping to fit in a few fly-fishing adventures along the way.  He will maintain an office in Biltmore Hall with the Tree Improvement Coop.

Dr. Jett’s retirement has provided an opportunity for a restructuring of responsibilities within the College.  Dr. Dan Robison, Assistant Dean for Strategic Planning, has been appointed Associate Dean for Research; and Dr. Robert Bardon, Extension Forestry Team Leader has been appointed Assistant Dean for Extension and Engagement.

"J.B. Jett is an icon in this College and in the natural resources academic community nationally,” according to current CNR Dean Robert Brown. “His loyalty, dedication and hard work over 40 years have been a mainstay of this college, and of enormous benefit to NC State and the resource.  We will miss him.”

A retirement reception honoring Dr. Jett is planned from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, February 27, at the NC State McKimmon Center. The event is open to the campus community.  To contribute to a book of letters, send paper copy to Robin Hughes, CNR Dean's Office, Campus Box 8001, Biltmore Hall by Feb. 20, 2009.  If you prefer, an email may be sent to robin_hughes@ncsu.edu. Photos are also welcome.

The College thanks Dr. Jett for his service and wishes him well on his retirement.

-fearn-