Chris Mullins Named Interim Associate Dean for Extension and Extension Administrator at VSU
Mr. Chris Mullins is a familiar and trusted face around Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE). Many know him from his work as a Horticulture Extension Specialist at Virginia State University (VSU)’s Randolph Farm, while others know him from his extensive partnership engagement across the VCE system. With 26 years of experience in several roles in VSU’s College of Agriculture and VSU-CE, including most recently as Director of Randolph Farm, Mullins recently stepped into another new role. On December 5, 2025, he became Interim Associate Dean for Extension and VSU’s Extension Administrator, following the departure of Dr. Janine P. Woods, who accepted the role of Executive Director of County Cooperative Extension for the University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Mullins began his career at VSU in 1999, where he gained experience teaching academic classes, conducting research and delivering Extension programming; work that become central to his career. As a specialist in indoor agricultural systems and vegetable gardening, he frequently gave workshops on hydroponics and aquaponics systems to growers and hobbyists. His expertise and approachable style led many participants to return for more workshops and to seek his advice on their operations. Over time, Mullins assumed new responsibilities in leadership roles, including serving as VSU’s Extension Program Leader for Food, Ag Systems & Agroforestry. In 2023, he stepped into another key leadership role as Director of Randolph Farm, continuing his long-standing commitment to applied research, education and outreach.
VSU’s College of Agriculture (COA)’s Interim Dean Dr. Jewel Bronaugh announced his new role, saying in an email, “Mr. Mullins brings deep leadership experience and knowledge of Extension programming, stakeholder and partnership engagement, fiscal management, and broad expertise across the agriculture sector. His leadership will be invaluable as we prepare for and conduct a comprehensive search for the permanent Associate Dean.” In his interim role, Mullins is focusing on three primary priorities:
· Creating an environment where Extension faculty and staff can continually strengthen and improve their programming efforts.
· Working collaboratively with support departments to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
· Fostering a culture of collaboration and teamwork across the entire College of Agriculture.
Reflecting on COA’s recent history, Mullins noted both the great work of professionals across the college, and the opportunity for better alignment across the college’s different focal areas. “Dr. Bronaugh is moving us toward a framework that will promote collaboration, common efforts and needs-based work,” he says. “I believe, next year at this time, we will be a stronger college that is better positioned to support farmers, students, youth and the general public.” With Mr. Mullins’ steady presence and deep institutional knowledge, VSU-CE remains well positioned to meet its mission and positively impact the lives and well-being of individuals and communities across the Commonwealth.
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