By Marlene Fritz (208/364-4010 in Boise)

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho–Christopher McIntosh, a 1981 graduate of the University of Idaho, is returning to the Gem State Aug. 16 to lead the university’s off-campus bachelor’s degree program in agribusiness. The Lewiston native will be based at the university’s research and extension center at University Place in Idaho Falls.

McIntosh received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Idaho’s Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology. He earned his Ph.D. in agricultural economics at Texas A&M University in 1987 and joined the faculty of the University of Georgia in 1988. As an associate professor at the Athens, Ga., university, he has won numerous awards for his undergraduate agribusiness and graduate ag economics teaching.

In Idaho Falls, McIntosh will coordinate the University of Idaho’s year-old undergraduate degree program in agribusiness, a cooperative effort involving Ricks College and Idaho State University. In addition to advising and recruiting students, he will offer junior- and senior-level courses on-site in Idaho Falls and by distance delivery to other locations.

"This is going to be a very exciting program to be involved with," says McIntosh. "There is a tremendous opportunity for growth. I’m looking forward to helping build it and to serving students who are not currently being served."

McIntosh will also conduct research on issues of importance to the region’s crop and livestock producers.

After Aug. 16, he can be reached at 208/529-8376 in Idaho Falls.