BVU Names New Director of the Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Resource Management

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Matt Meiners

STORM LAKE, IA (06/19/2018) (readMedia)-- Buena Vista University (BVU) has named Mr. Mathu Meiners as the new director of the Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Resource Management.

Meiners, who is a BVU graduate and currently serves as a legislative assistant/agriculture policy advisor on Capitol Hill, will assume his new role on July 30. The new position was created to jumpstart the launch of the Institute, which marks the University's next phase of academic and co-curricular programming growth under President Joshua D. Merchant.

"Matt is uniquely qualified to effectively grow and establish BVU's new agriculture programs," said Merchant. "He brings with him a wealth of knowledge that will allow him to maximize the potential of BVU's Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Resource Management. I look forward to supporting him in a role that is critical to developing future ag leaders."

In his role as a legislative assistant/agriculture policy advisor, Meiners has gained extensive experience in the agriculture sector. He has prepared legislative work for U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee hearings and markups; conducted research and wrote legislation letters pertaining to agriculture, conservation, energy, education, and more; traveled internationally to promote Iowa agriculture products; and prepared amendments on the Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (known as the Farm Bill) that reflects the needs of Iowa farmers.

"BVU is a top-tier school that has a great foundation for agriculture programs," said Meiners. "It is my hope to grow the Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Resource Management on that foundation into a respected and sought-after destination for agricultural studies. With the amazing faculty and staff at BVU, anything is possible."

The establishment of BVU's new Institute aligns with recent and emerging trends showing there is high demand for college graduates with a degree in agricultural programs. The Institute will be home to a number of agricultural business and science programs, equipping students with the skills needed to secure employment opportunities in the areas of food, agriculture, renewable resources, the environment, and more.

As BVU's director of the Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Resource Management, Meiners will oversee the Institute's creation, growth, and management. Specifically, he will work closely with industry leaders and BVU faculty to develop new business, science, and interdisciplinary academic and co-curricular programs.

"We are really excited to have Matt on board to help us build the Institute," said Dr. Brian Lenzmeier, provost and vice president for academic affairs at BVU. "His knowledge of agriculture, connections he's made from having worked extensively on the Farm Bill in Congress, strong relationship-building skills, and vision for what BVU can be, make him exactly what we need at this time."

Meiners graduated from BVU in 2016 with a bachelor's degree in political science. He also holds a master's degree in public policy from Liberty University.

"It is an honor to be coming back to my alma mater," added Meiners, who enjoys cooking, fishing, and playing golf outside of work. "Having an Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Resource Management was something I always believed BVU could and should do. I am excited to be part of this new experience."

About Buena Vista University

Since 1891, Buena Vista University has prepared students for lifelong success and blends liberal arts with real-world applications. Our traditional campus on the shores of Storm Lake hosts students in a variety of majors and pre-professional programs, including elementary, secondary, and special education; business and accounting; and biological and chemical sciences. Our 16 degree-completion locations, online, and graduate programs expand student potential with a pace and academic rigor designed for working adults and a variety of class formats that make scheduling even more convenient. With an average scholarship of more than 50 percent off of tuition, BVU is an affordable option for all students. Visit www.bvu.edu.

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