Ben Chapman has been appointed interim associate director and state program leader for Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) and Community and Rural Development (CRD) at NC State Extension, effective Oct. 29, 2025. He succeeds Matthew Vann, who recently served in the interim role until accepting a leadership role at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in September. The position was previously held on a permanent basis by Dale Monks, with a national search currently underway to fill the post.
In his interim role, Chapman will provide leadership for Extension’s ANR and CRD programming throughout a vast statewide network that includes 101 local Extension centers, 18 research stations and four field labs. He will also serve as a liaison between Extension leadership and county governments, commodity partners and other key stakeholders.
“Ben brings deep expertise, a national reputation and a strong commitment to our land-grant mission to this role,” said NC State Extension Director David Monks. “We’re grateful for his willingness to step up during this transition and help ensure that Extension continues delivering trusted, research-based solutions that strengthen communities across North Carolina.”
Chapman currently serves as head of the Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He also leads the Safe Plates Food Safety Information Center, and served as a food safety specialist with NC State Extension from 2009 to 2021.
As an Extension specialist, Chapman focused on reducing foodborne illness by researching food-handling behaviors and food safety systems, designing and implementing interventions from farm-to-fork, and evaluating messages and media directed at food handlers. He also has played a leadership role in national response and education efforts on food safety and COVID-19 through the FoodCoVNET network. His efforts reflect a strong applied Extension focus, emphasizing real-world solutions and outreach that promote safer families and food supply chains.
Chapman earned his B.S. in molecular biology and genetics, as well as his M.S. and Ph.D. in plant agriculture – all from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada.
“It’s a privilege to step into this role, and I’m committed to doing the work in a way that moves Extension forward,” Chapman said. “I’m eager to help write the next chapter for NC State Extension, championing our experts, our partners and the people we serve throughout North Carolina.”
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