Dr. Fran Wolak

Chief Operating Officer, Cooperative Extension
Associate Dean for Extension Field Operations
Associate Dean for Youth and Families
Professor, Agricultural Engineering

Degrees Held:

B.S., Physical Systems in Agriculture, Michigan State University
Ph.D., Agricultural Engineering Technology, Michigan State University

Responsibilities:

Dr. Wolak is responsible for leadership of SC Cooperative Extension program development, delivery, and evaluation in conjunction with Associate Deans and Program Leaders, and is the representative for Cooperative Extension at the state, regional, and national levels.

He leverages the resources of the Land Grant University System to address issues at the local level while engaging volunteers and South Carolina residents in the Extension Education process. He ensures the delivery of high impact programs at a minimal cost.

Dr. Wolak focuses on the design, delivery and evaluation of a comprehensive Extension outreach program in support of the five Public Service Activities focus areas of agricultural productivity & profitability; economic & community development; environmental conservation; food safety & nutrition; and youth & families.

Selected Program Highlights:

New Technology Implementation: Biotechnology Issues Education
This Extension program was designed to help educate the public about issues surrounding the adoption of genetically modified plants and animals in our food production system.

International Programs: Fulbright Research Fellowship
Dr. Wolak spent academic year 1990-1991 at the Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority (TEAGASC), Johnstown Castle, Ireland, initiating the development of an Animal Nutrient Management Expert System for Irish conditions.

Environmental/Community Development Focused Programs: Recycling for the Hospitality Industry
Efforts involved working with the hotel and motel industry to introduce and increase recycling activities.

Agriculture/Natural Resource Focused Programs: Pesticide Application Accuracy
An educational program was developed and distributed to each county in South Carolina, utilizing spray tables and agent demonstration techniques.  Demonstration programs in herbicide incorporation and aerial application have also been conducted.

4-H Focused Programs: 4-H & Youth
Dr. Wolak is a member of the 4-H Electric Planning committee, which was responsible for planning, conducting, and evaluation of Electro-Tech Camp and the South Carolina 4-H Energy Challenge.  He also provided program leadership to the computer programming contest and engineering skills competition.

Download Dr. Wolak’s CV (.pdf, 100 KB)

Page maintained by: Walker Massey, emassey@clemson.edu