The Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station recently named Steven Pueppke as its new director.

Pueppke, who also will be MSU's assistant vice president for research and graduate studies, currently works at the University of Illinois, where he has been the associate dean for research in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences since 1998.

His appointment will take effect on Jan. 1, following approval by the MSU Board of Trustees.

The Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station conducts research that aims to strengthen agriculture, natural resources, families and communities in the state.

MSU's station uses about 300 researchers in four colleges within the university.

Pueppke is familiar with MSU, having received his undergraduate degree in horticulture from the university.