Zabadal stepping down as coordinator of southwest Michigan research center
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EmailAfter more than 25 years of service, Tom Zabadal has announced that he will step down as coordinator of the Michigan State University Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center.
BENTON HARBOR, Mich. -- After more than 25 years of service, Tom Zabadal has announced that he will step down as coordinator of the Michigan State University (MSU) Southwest Michigan Research and Extension Center (SWMREC).
The resignation as coordinator is effective April 1, 2016. Until then, he will assist MSU AgBioResearch and MSU Extension with the leadership transition. Zabadal, a professor in the MSU Department of Horticulture, will continue to conduct viticulture research and outreach to assist the grape industry.
“We are grateful for Tom’s dedication to the center and to the agriculture industry these past 25-plus years,” said Doug Buhler, director of MSU AgBioResearch. “SWMREC is located in one of Michigan’s most horticulturally diverse regions. It’s been a force in impactful ag research, thanks in large part to Tom’s service.”
As center coordinator, Zabadal has overseen the direction of SWMREC and its research. The 350-acre facility is one of the most diverse research centers operated by MSU. Research there focuses on production of an array of vegetables and fruits, along with woody ornamentals and Christmas trees, and field crop trials.
Zabadal became SWMREC coordinator in March 1989. Buhler said a process to begin looking for a replacement will be underway soon.
