Dexter B. Wakefield I has been appointed dean of the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences (CAAS) at Alcorn State University.
“The Office of Academic Affairs is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Dexter B. Wakefield as dean and director of Land Grant Programs, College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences,” said Dr. Joyce Buckner-Brown, provost and vice president for academic affairs. “Dr. Wakefield is a valuable member of our team, and this promotion is well deserved.”
Throughout his career, he has held various positions across multiple states, including Texas, Indiana, Illinois, and Georgia. His roles have spanned teaching, research, extension, and administration, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of land-grant institutions.
“Becoming the dean of the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences at the oldest black land grant institution in the nation is an honor as well as a privilege,” said Wakefield. “I do not take it lightly. As I have accomplished much in my personal life, there’s no greater joy than seeing others achieving, seeing students walk across that stage, and seeing faculty and staff progressing.”
Wakefield’s approach to leadership is summed up in his motto: “We, not me!” He describes himself as “a transformational servant leader.”
At Alcorn, he has worked to enhance agricultural facilities projects, including new greenhouses, mushroom centers, and poultry centers.
His vision for CAAS includes implementing the current strategic plan, supporting faculty and staff in obtaining resources for success, rebuilding relationships with stakeholders, strengthening recruiting programs, and integrating extension outreach both locally and statewide.
One of his primary goals is to increase undergraduate and graduate research opportunities.
Throughout his career, he has been the recipient of several awards and accolades, including Purdue University’s College of Agriculture Distinguished Alumni; the Outstanding Contribution to Agricultural Education Award by the National Association of Agricultural Educators; the Outstanding Teacher of the Year award from the College of Agricultural Sciences at Southern Illinois University; and Faculty of the Year award from the Black Affair Council.
He also received the distinguished American FFA Degree, the highest degree achievable in the National FFA Organization, which honors outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement exhibited through an individual’s FFA career.
He is a member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and Elisha Lodge #194 PHA.
A native of Quitman, Ga., he earned his bachelor’s degree from Fort Valley State University before pursuing advanced studies at the University of Georgia and Purdue University, where he completed his Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction with a focus on agricultural and extension education. He received a post-doctoral certification through the management development program at Harvard University.
He is married to Kelli George Wakefield, a nurse practitioner, and is the father of two adult children—Dexter II, a senior at Alcorn, and Kelleigh, a junior at Tuskegee University.
