Matthew Vann

Dr. Matthew Vann became the associate dean and director of Illinois Extension and Outreach in the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in September 2025. He provides leadership and direction for Illinois Extension across the organization’s dynamic team of professionals, both on campus and across the state, to deliver research-based programs that strengthen communities, support agricultural innovation, and improve the quality of life for Illinois residents. 

Vann was born and raised on a small family farm in Mayo, Florida, in the heart of the Suwannee River Valley. Growing up in this close-knit agricultural community, he developed a deep appreciation for farming and for youth development programs such as 4-H and FFA. His passion for Extension was inspired early on by his father, who served as the agricultural agent in Lafayette County. Watching his father connect with farmers, lead educational programs, and improve the livelihoods of local families instilled in Dr. Vann a lifelong commitment to serving others through agriculture and community engagement.

Previous Experience

Prior to joining University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of ACES, Vann served as the interim associate director of North Carolina State Extension and as the state program leader for Agriculture and Natural Resources and Community and Rural Development. He was also a faculty member in the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences at NC State University, advancing from assistant (2015 to 2020) to associate professor (2020 to 2025) and serving as the department’s Extension leader. In addition to his work on campus, Vann also held several leadership roles for professional organizations, such as Agronomy Journal Associate Editor for U.S. Southern Major Crops and the CORESTA Scientific Commission Vice-President. 

During his tenure at NC State University, Dr. Vann advised or co-advised more than 20 graduate students and obtained extramural funding in excess of 4 million dollars. These efforts resulted in more than 100 presentations at research conferences and more than 50 peer-reviewed publications. The research topics investigated by Vann were influenced by questions and scenarios encountered through his Extension program, where he worked closely with county agents. Vann committed significant time and resources to investing in county agents through annual training events, participating in grower meetings, supporting travel to professional development events, providing diagnostic support, and leading monthly team meetings. In total, he has published more than 150 Extension bulletins in his career and has delivered more than 400 presentations through a wide range of outreach opportunities.  

Research and Extension Interests

Dr. Vann’s research focuses on traditional field crop agronomy and weed management systems. He has been actively involved in applied projects that focus on nutrient management, weed control, and plant growth regulation. While at NC State, he provided support to the allied North Carolina tobacco industry through outreach and engagement with Extension agents, producers, industry organizations, and other service groups.  

Education

• Ph.D. in Crop Science, NC State University
• M.S. in Crop Science, NC State University
• B.S. in Environmental Management in Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Florida

Awards and Honors

• CORESTA Bronze Medal (2022)
• William K. and Ann T. Collins Distinguished Scholar in Tobacco Research and Extension (2021)
• William K. and Ann T. Collins Distinguished Fellow in Tobacco Research and Extension (2020)
• NC State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Outstanding Young Alumni (2019)
• Excellence in Extension Award from the North Carolina Tobacco Growers Association (2017)