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.”

Read more about Horgan.