As it pertains to agriculture, Dr. C. Michael French’s story is one of education and academic achievement.

Currently the associate director for programs with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, his contributions in Arkansas, as well as regionally and nationally, have been exceptional.

French received his bachelor’s of science degree in agronomy from Northeast Louisiana University in 1973, his master’s degree in agronomy from Oklahoma State University in 1975 and his doctorate in crop science from Oklahoma State in 1978.

After completing his Ph.D, French worked as an Extension agronomist at the University of Georgia, where he was responsible for formulating and conducting educational programs in weed science. In 1989, he was named head of that department.

Four years later, French moved to Arkansas and started work as associate director of agriculture and natural resources with Extension. In 2005, he was assigned the role of associate director for programs, where he gives administrative and programmatic direction to all the organization’s Extension programs.

Since coming to UofA, French has been appointed to numerous boards and committees in his field of expertise. In addition, he has worked as a liaison to a variety of agricultural organizations. During the past 14 years, as a liaison to the state Rice, Soybean, Wheat, Cotton, and Corn/Sorghum promotion boards, he has successfully secured funding to support Extension and experiment station projects. In addition, as liaison to Arkansas Farm Bureau, he has helped develop Arkansas agricultural leaders and sound agricultural policy.

Throughout his career, French has received many professional honors and awards. 

To name a few: In 1981, he was elected chairman of educational, regulatory and environmental aspects of weed control with the Southern Weed Science Society (SWSS).  French was elected chairman of teaching and extension with the Weed Science Society of America (WSSA) in 1986. Two years later, he was appointed to the board of the Agricultural Chemicals Association of Georgia, where he served for five years. In 1988, he was given an Achievement Award by the National Association of County Agricultural Agents. He was named Outstanding Young Weed Scientist by the SWSS in 1989.

French was born Aug. 16, 1951, in Lake Providence, La.

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