Team at work

The UNH College of Life Sciences and Agriculture associate deans, under the leadership of Dean Anthony S. Davis, are rooted in their shared commitment to the college’s land-grant mission and public higher education. Whether they’re supporting student success, advancing research, building partnerships, or strengthening communities across New Hampshire, they care deeply about the people and work that drive COLSA’s impact and advance its mission.

Kimberly Babbitt

Kimberly J. Babbitt ’84
Associate Dean
Director of Sustainability Programs

With her thoughtful and collaborative leadership style, Kimberly J. Babbitt guides both operational priorities and sustainability initiatives across the college. She’s known for building strong relationships, connecting people across disciplines, and helping teams move complex projects forward with clarity and purpose.

In her role, Babbitt works to support programs and partnerships that advance environmental stewardship, community resilience, and long-term sustainability both at the college and the broader university. She enjoys bringing people together around shared goals and helping create solutions that have a meaningful impact for students, communities, and the environment.

“What makes COLSA so distinctive is the way we connect discovery, education, and service,” says Babbitt. “Our students and faculty aren't just studying today's challenges — they're developing practical and sustainable solutions that strengthen the environment, economy, and quality of life in New Hampshire and around the world.”

Jesse Stabile Morrell

Jesse Stabile Morrell ’99, ’04G, ’13G
Associate Dean for Academic Affairs

Jesse Stabile Morrell is deeply invested in creating an academic experience where students feel supported, challenged, and connected. Known for her student-centered approach, she works closely with faculty, staff, and students to help shape programs and opportunities — like the college’s new TRAIL Network (read about it on p. 17) — that prepare graduates for careers that are both meaningful and adaptable in a rapidly changing world.

Morrell cares deeply about experiential learning and believes some of the most impactful learning happens outside of traditional classroom settings, whether that’s through research, internships, fieldwork, or collaborative projects. Her leadership style emphasizes mentorship, accessibility, and helping students build confidence alongside knowledge.

“COLSA is a special community where the faculty and staff are talented, hardworking, and dedicated to the success of each and every student,” says Morrell. “I’m grateful each day to work with such a special and committed group.”

Anton Bekkerman

Anton Bekkerman
Associate Dean for Research
Director, New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station

Anton Bekkerman brings curiosity, collaboration, and big-picture thinking to his roles as associate dean for research and director of the New Hampshire Agricultural Experiment Station. With a background in agricultural economics and applied research, he enjoys connecting ideas across disciplines and finding ways research can make a tangible difference for communities in New Hampshire and beyond.

Much of Bekkerman’s work centers on building partnerships and supporting research that tackles real-world challenges related to agriculture, food systems, sustainability, and the environment. He’s also focused on creating opportunities for students to get involved in hands-on research and experiential learning that prepares them for meaningful careers after graduation.

“It has been rewarding to see a number of the goals set four to five years ago — growing the impacts of our locally inspired research, better supporting the education and careers of our students, having stronger connections to our state's communities — become successes,” says Bekkerman. “The collective efforts of our faculty, staff, and students have resulted in a foundation from which we can set much bigger goals. Knowing that we can not only set but achieve those goals is really exciting.”
 

Amy Loader

Amy Loader
Associate Dean 
Director, UNH Cooperative Extension

Amy Loader is passionate about connecting people with practical, research-based knowledge that improves lives and strengthens communities across New Hampshire. As associate dean and director of UNH Cooperative Extension, she partners with faculty, staff, students, and community members to advance education, outreach, and public engagement statewide.

With a background in agriculture, environmental stewardship, and organizational leadership, Loader brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach to her work. She values strong relationships and believes Extension’s greatest impact comes from listening to communities, understanding their needs, and connecting them with trusted expertise.

A proud COLSA alumna, Loader finds deep meaning in seeing graduates apply their education to support New Hampshire’s people, food systems, and natural resources.