Oklahoma State University: Talley Chosen For Top Role In Entomology And Plant Pathology

Press release from Oklahoma State University:

2022-01-26

Longtime Oklahoma State University Extension livestock entomologist and professor Justin Talley has been selected to lead the OSU Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology in the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

The Board of Regents for the Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical Colleges officially
approved the action during its Jan. 21 meeting. Talley began serving as interim department
head on Jan. 1.

Thomas G. Coon, vice president and dean of OSU Agriculture, said Talley’s effective
leadership skills as a faculty member with OSU Extension are reflected in his research
achievements and teaching responsibilities.

“A diverse set of stakeholders look to the department for expertise related to crop,
livestock and food production, and natural resource management,” Coon said. “Dr. Talley’s
experience with and appreciation for this breadth positions him well for advancing
the work of department faculty, staff and students. I look forward to working with
him in this mission.”

Talley joined the department in 2006 as an assistant professor and Extension livestock
entomologist. He has conducted research on stable fly biology, integrated control,
insecticide effectiveness and parasite/host interactions. In addition to serving as
a graduate student advisor, Talley has developed Extension programming for livestock
producers that examines arthropods in cattle and goat production.

“The opportunity to learn from students, producers and fellow faculty members throughout
my engagement in teaching, Extension and research has given me an appreciation of
working with people in a collaborative manner,” Talley said. “One of the most rewarding
things I’ve experienced while working at OSU as an Extension specialist is getting
feedback from producers on my programs.”

The Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology is home to several nationally recognized
laboratories that contribute to the field of biological science as well as disciplines
such as virology, bacteriology, pest management, insect immune functions, arthropod
borne diseases, biodiversity and plant disease diagnostics. The Plant Disease and
Insect Diagnostics Lab and the Institute for Biosecurity and Microbial Forensics serve
Oklahoma communities while conducting critical pathogen research that benefits crops,
forests, rangelands, animal production, wildlife and food.

“I look forward to working with all members of the department and stakeholders to
highlight the integral part entomology and plant pathology play in protecting the
commodities important to our state,” Talley said.

Talley is a member of the Society of Southwestern Entomologists and Entomological
Society of America, and his research has earned the support of $3.5 million in grant
funding. He received the Gerrit Cuperus Integrated Pest Management Professional Achievement
Award from OSU Extension in 2020 and the Outstanding State Extension Specialist Award
from the Oklahoma Association of Extension Agriculture Agents in 2016.

Talley earned a bachelor’s degree in agronomy with an emphasis in integrated pest
management and a master’s in plant, soil and environmental science at West Texas A&M
University. He received his doctorate in entomology from Kansas State University.

This press release was produced by Oklahoma State University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.