Dr. Glenn Thomas has been named the director of Marine Extension for the Louisiana Sea Grant College Program and the LSU AgCenter. Thomas has been with Louisiana Sea Grant since 2004, initially serving as an Extension agent for St. Martin, St. Mary, Iberia and Iberville parishes, and most recently as state-wide fisheries specialist.
“Glenn has excelled while at Sea Grant and he has proven his leadership ability. I have no doubt he will do an exceptional job as director of Marine Extension,” said Dr. Charles Wilson, Louisiana Sea Grant executive director. “He certainly was a stellar candidate from a pool of outstanding candidates we had from across the country,” Wilson added.
“We are pleased to get such a qualified and experienced marine fisheries specialist in this important leadership position,” said Dr. Paul Coreil, LSU AgCenter vice chancellor and extension service director. “Glenn brings with him excellent experience and program vision that will be important as Louisiana Sea Grant addresses the challenges facing the coastal community sustainability and commercial and recreational fisheries.”
Thomas earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Augusta State University in Georgia, master’s in wildlife and fisheries science from the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, and his doctorate in wildlife and fisheries science from Louisiana State University. He also spent 11 years working for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, in both marine fisheries and inland fisheries management.
“It’s an honor to work in such a rare organization that gives its personnel the freedom to prioritize their goals and the support to accomplish them,” said Thomas. “I really look forward to starting this next chapter in my career in Sea Grant.”
The Marine Extension Program is jointly funded and managed by Louisiana Sea Grant and the LSU AgCenter’s Cooperative Extension Service. It consists of 13 agents and specialists located throughout the state’s coastal zone who conduct outreach, education and applied research to enhance coastal environmental and economic sustainability.
