Cal Poly Names Brian Horgan as the New Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
Jan. 23, 2025
SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — Brian Horgan has been named dean of Cal Poly’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences (CAFES), effective July 1, 2025.
Horgan, who currently serves as a professor and associate dean for faculty affairs and development in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University (MSU), brings a wealth of experience and innovative leadership to the role. His past positions include chair of the Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences at MSU, as well as several leadership roles in the Department of Horticultural Science at the University of Minnesota (UMN), including interim head and extension program leader.
“Dr. Horgan’s alignment with Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy and his forward-thinking leadership uniquely position him to guide CAFES into its next chapter of excellence,” said Cynthia Jackson-Elmoore, Cal Poly’s provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “His expertise will enhance the college’s role as a leader in agricultural innovation and sustainability, ensuring that it continues to make a lasting impact on California and beyond.”
At MSU, Horgan led the development of new majors and minors — the first curriculum update in 30 years — working closely with faculty and students to ensure relevance and impact. He also prioritized building community and promoting diversity of thought, including establishing a highly engaged Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee.
“I am honored to join Cal Poly and contribute to the continued growth and success of one of the nation’s leading institutions for agricultural and environmental education,” Horgan said. “I look forward to working alongside the college’s students, faculty and staff to build on its strong foundation of hands-on learning and impactful research.”
An expert in urban green space conservation, Horgan’s academic work focuses on developing systems-based metrics for resource sustainability. During his tenure at UMN, he led the Science of the Green Initiative, which raised funds for infrastructure and endowed graduate fellowships.
Horgan holds a doctorate in natural resources and environmental sciences from the University of Illinois, a master’s degree in crop science from North Carolina State University, and a bachelor’s degree in crop and soil science from Michigan State University.
Horgan, who currently serves as a professor and associate dean for faculty affairs and development in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University (MSU), brings a wealth of experience and innovative leadership to the role. His past positions include chair of the Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences at MSU, as well as several leadership roles in the Department of Horticultural Science at the University of Minnesota (UMN), including interim head and extension program leader.
“Dr. Horgan’s alignment with Cal Poly’s Learn by Doing philosophy and his forward-thinking leadership uniquely position him to guide CAFES into its next chapter of excellence,” said Cynthia Jackson-Elmoore, Cal Poly’s provost and executive vice president for Academic Affairs. “His expertise will enhance the college’s role as a leader in agricultural innovation and sustainability, ensuring that it continues to make a lasting impact on California and beyond.”
At MSU, Horgan led the development of new majors and minors — the first curriculum update in 30 years — working closely with faculty and students to ensure relevance and impact. He also prioritized building community and promoting diversity of thought, including establishing a highly engaged Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee.
“I am honored to join Cal Poly and contribute to the continued growth and success of one of the nation’s leading institutions for agricultural and environmental education,” Horgan said. “I look forward to working alongside the college’s students, faculty and staff to build on its strong foundation of hands-on learning and impactful research.”
An expert in urban green space conservation, Horgan’s academic work focuses on developing systems-based metrics for resource sustainability. During his tenure at UMN, he led the Science of the Green Initiative, which raised funds for infrastructure and endowed graduate fellowships.
Horgan holds a doctorate in natural resources and environmental sciences from the University of Illinois, a master’s degree in crop science from North Carolina State University, and a bachelor’s degree in crop and soil science from Michigan State University.
He and his wife are entering the empty-nest phase as their three daughters embark on their futures. A lover of all things outdoors, he looks forward to exploring the landscapes of the West Coast with his family and their two dogs while they embrace this new chapter of adventure and growth, both personally and professionally.
Contact: Matt Lazier
805-756-7109; mlazier@calpoly.edu
