William P. Flatt

Dean and Coordinator, 1981-1994
(Born June 17, 1931)

When William P. Flatt became dean in 1981, this Tennessee native faced a declining enrollment problem. He is best remembered for the high level of enthusiasm and energy he brought to the dean's office. He developed an aggressive recruitment program that emphasized production agriculture as well as agribusiness and environmental health sciences. The name of the College was changed to the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences to reflect the emphasis on environmental programs, resulting in a rapid increase in enrollment. Dr. Flatt streamlined the chain of command at the administrative level and consolidated the business operations for teaching, research and extension.