The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at NC State University has named David Monks as associate dean and director of NC State Extension, effective Aug. 1, 2025.
Monks, who has served as co-interim director since September 2024, will lead one of the nation’s largest Extension systems, with operations in all 100 North Carolina counties, the Qualla Boundary and the Plants for Human Health Institute (PHHI) in Kannapolis. He will also serve as vice provost for outreach and engagement at NC State, advancing the university’s land-grant mission across North Carolina and beyond.
Monks succeeds Richard Bonanno, who retired in summer 2024. His appointment follows a national search that included feedback and engagement from stakeholders across the university system and broader community.
“David Monks is the right leader for this moment,” said CALS Dean Garey Fox. “He brings deep institutional knowledge, proven leadership across our state and national networks, and an unwavering commitment to the mission of CALS through the vital work of Extension. I am confident he will lead boldly and collaboratively as we navigate a critical period of change and opportunity.”
A respected administrator, researcher and longtime Extension advocate, Monks brings more than three decades of leadership experience to the role. He has served in key positions within NC State Extension, the North Carolina Agricultural Research Service (NCARS) and the broader university, building trusted relationships with faculty, county partners, commodity organizations and community stakeholders.
As co-interim associate dean and director and vice provost, Monks has already demonstrated his ability to lead — fostering new partnerships, advancing community engagement initiatives and strengthening Extension’s alignment with the university’s strategic priorities.


He has served as associate director of NCARS since 2013, where he facilitated key partnerships with North Carolina’s commodity organizations and advanced critical research initiatives. He has also provided leadership as assistant director of NCARS, assistant department head for horticultural science, and director of CALS Research Stations and Field Labs.
Throughout his career, Monks has prioritized programs grounded in research excellence, stakeholder trust and meaningful community impact. He remains a tireless advocate for ensuring that Extension programs are relevant, accessible and responsive to the evolving needs of North Carolina’s people and communities.
“I am honored to serve in this role and to continue working alongside our outstanding faculty, staff and partners across the state,” Monks said. “Extension’s strength lies in its ability to connect knowledge with action — to make a real difference in the lives of North Carolinians. I look forward to building on that legacy and leading Extension into its next chapter.”
NC State Extension is a key driver of innovation, economic vitality and community well-being throughout North Carolina. In partnership with local governments and N.C. A&T State University, NC State Extension delivers science-based solutions in agriculture and food systems; health and nutrition; community, economic and youth development; natural resources; and more.
Monks holds a Ph.D. in agronomy-weed science from the University of Arkansas, an M.S. in plant and soil science from the University of Tennessee, and a B.S. in plant and soil science from Middle Tennessee State University.
Learn more about NC State Extension at go.ncsu.edu/Extension.
This post was originally published in College of Agriculture and Life Sciences News.
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