STARKVILLE, Miss. -- The Mississippi State University Extension Service’s Delta region will soon have new leadership.

Alex Deason, who has been an MSU Extension agent based in Sunflower County since 2013, begins his new role as regional coordinator on March 16.

Regional Extension coordinators provide leadership for MSU’s outreach efforts in its four regions and provide administrative direction to Extension agents in the development, implementation and evaluation of Extension’s educational programs. The primary objective of each program is to improve economic and social conditions in the county, region and state.

As an MSU Extension agent, Deason delivered educational programming in agriculture and natural resources as well as 4-H youth development. He holds a master’s degree in agriculture and Extension education and a bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences, both from MSU.

“Alex is committed to helping Mississippians better themselves. As an Extension agent for over a decade, that’s exactly what he’s done,” said Steve Martin, associate director of county operations for MSU Extension. “His demonstrated ability to lead and help others make positive changes will be a great benefit to our Delta clients.”

Deason replaces Lance Newman, who had served in an interim role since 2022 while retaining his duties as coordinator of MSU Extension’s Lafayette County office. Newman was named regional coordinator for MSU Extension’s northeast region late last year.

“Alex has all the qualities you want to see in an Extension agent, and this role gives him an opportunity to pass his positive attributes on to other agents in the Mississippi Delta,” said Angus Catchot, director of MSU Extension. “He will be a tremendous asset to our leadership team.”

The counties in the Delta Region of MSU Extension include DeSoto, Tate, Tunica, Panola, Quitman, Coahoma, Tallahatchie, Bolivar, Sunflower, Leflore, Grenada, Montgomery, Carroll, Holmes, Humphreys, Washington, Sharkey, Issaquena and Yazoo.