After 13.5 years as director of the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, in Geneva, NY, James E. Hunter has been granted a leave from the Cornell College of Agriculture & Life Sciences (CALS) to pursue other interests, effective January 1, 2004. An interim director will be selected and begin this assignment on January 1. A permanent replacement is being sought. Hunter had previously announced his intention to retire, effective June 2004.

During his leave, Hunter will travel in the U.S. and abroad to study various relationships between universities and businesses that relate to economic development and increase support for bio-based research related to food and agriculture.

"I intend to examine alternative sources of support for land-grant colleges in general, and experiment stations, in particular," said Hunter. "Public funding for agricultural research is decreasing. In order to retain the Geneva Experiment Station's world-class reputation, alternative sources of support need to be explored, and new models built. I am enthusiastic about having this new opportunity to serve the Station and the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences."

One alternative that Hunter will be studying is research parks that are affiliated with universities and other public institutions. Hunter has served as a member of the Cornell Agriculture & Food Technology Park Corporation, at Geneva, since its founding.

"I intend to stay affiliated with the Park and the Geneva Experiment Station, and to help in the Park's continued development, but not as a member of the Park board of directors at this time," said Hunter.

Hunter came to Geneva as chairman of the plant pathology department in 1972, and served in that capacity until 1982. He was associate director from 1987-1990, and director from 1990-2003.

"One of the biggest changes I have witnessed since coming to the Station in 1972 is the decrease in the SUNY budget for the Station," said Hunter. "We have gone from 68 to 46 faculty and 200 to 123 staff supported with these funds. Faculty are having to generate more and more funds from private sources to support their technicians and meet the operating costs of their research and extension programs."

Between now and the end of December, Hunter expects to work with the leadership group at the Station to complete as many ongoing tasks as possible, including implementing the new Geneva Administrative Service Center. The interim director will be charged with maintaining all current initiatives.

"I appreciate the tremendous backing and good will I have received from faculty and staff at Geneva during my tenure as director," said Hunter. "I have also enjoyed excellent support from the three deans at the College that I have worked with over the years."

"I am confident that, with the dedication and capabilities of faculty and staff here at the Station, the interim director and new director will succeed," said Hunter.

Jim and his wife Setsuko ("Suzie") expect to maintain their residence in Geneva, NY.