"In his interview, Dr. Whittier demonstrated the vision, the ability to mobile great programs and great people and the connection with stakeholders that positions the Panhandle Research and Extension Center to catalyze agriculture, families, nutrition, youth and community initiatives in western Nebraska.
As research and extension director, Whittier leads the Panhandle Center operations and 14 faculty members in UNL's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Whittier's responsbilities also will include leading the Panhandle Extension District that covers 16 Nebraska counties, with 20 extension educators and six 4-H assistants, along with support staff.
As Extension Beef Specialist at CSU's Animal Science Department, Dr. Whittier has been responsible for Extension, teaching, research and service activities in the areas of beef cattle nutrition and reproductive management. He has been at Colorado State since 1995, and before that held faculty and graduate research positions at the University of Missouri, University of Nebraska and Utah State University.
He received a Ph.D. in animal science in 1985 from UNL with emphasis in ruminant nutrition; and master's and bachelor's degrees in animal science from Utah State, in 1981 and 1979, respectively. 
– UNL Extension news
