Colin Kaltenbach, director of the Arizona Agricultural Research Station at The University of Arizona, was inducted into the U. S. Department of Agriculture Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service (CSREES) Hall of Fame in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 13.


Kaltenbach is being honored for 25 years of administrative leadership in Wyoming and Arizona, where he has been a major contributor to agriculture in state, regional, national and international arenas. His efforts have helped CSREES fulfill its mission of advancing knowledge of agriculture, the environment, human health and well-being, and communities.


"Colin is the most influential agricultural experiment station director in the nation," said Gene Sander, vice provost and dean of the UA College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. "In this capacity and as vice dean of the college, he has played a major role in the integration of research, extension and academic programs. He has been particularly creative at expanding our programs in teaching and extension, including 4-H, at the agricultural centers located throughout Arizona."


Kaltenbach arrived at the UA in 1989, where, according to his nominating letter, his dedication over the years "has led to increased resources, enhanced planning and accountability, highly trained scientists, better facilities and more effective research, extension and academic programs."


At the national level, Kaltenbach has played a pivotal role serving the USDA for more than 20 years in major leadership assignments. He chaired the committee that reorganized and reoriented USDA's national Current Research Information System (CRIS), which documents and reports research in agriculture, food and nutrition and forestry. For this effort, the committee was recognized with a USDA Honor Award for Superior Service and a Group Honor Award for Excellence.


Kaltenbach served two separate terms (1986-87 and 1996-1997) as national chair of the Experiment Station Committee on Organization and Policy (ESCOP). He also chaired the ESCOP Science Roadmap committee, the Genomics Initiative Steering Subcommittee and others.


"The science roadmap in my opinion reconnected agricultural research with the development of basic science information directed at solving major national issues," wrote Fred A. Cholick, dean of Agriculture and director of the Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension service at Kansas State University. "The roadmap under the leadership of Dr. Kaltenbach has been used to set the direction for national agriculture and natural resource research endeavors."


Kaltenbach was elected by his peers to serve on the initial Agricultural Assembly Policy Board of Directors for the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges (NASULGC) from 2001-2004. He has served as liaison for numerous cooperative efforts in agriculture on a state, regional and national level. Internationally, as part of the International Arid Lands Consortium Board of Directors, he is currently providing advice, academic curriculum, and logistics for setting up a new college of agriculture and a new agricultural experiment station for the University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates.


Kaltenbach's leadership and interactions across the agricultural community are widely recognized. He was instrumental in initiating a $28 million USDA-ARS (Agricultural Research Service) facility at the UA’s Maricopa Agricultural Center. According to his nomination letter, "The completion of this facility will significantly strengthen the research and education efforts for arid land agriculture, which will benefit the citizens of the Southwest and other arid areas around the world."


Along with his experience and expertise, Kaltenbach's common-sense, balanced manner in dealing with people has made a difference. As his colleagues have noted, "His approach to successful integration of ideas, scientists and the public is straightforward: he listens to people and makes every effort to understand their needs and desires before arriving at a decision - always one that is 'good for the cause.'"


"What’s most remarkable about Colin is that he has been consistently successful but has avoided self-promotion and self-aggrandizement," wrote Michael V. Martin, president of New Mexico State University, in a letter of support. "He works in a low-key, collaborative style that draws others to great service."