Scot Hulbert has replaced Jim Moyer as the new associate dean of research for Washington State University’s agricultural programs.

Hulbert, a plant pathologist and geneticist, took the reins May 1 for the retiring Moyer. The position involves oversight of WSU’s Agricultural Research Center, which includes the tree fruit breeding programs and the four research and extension centers.

Hulbert grew up on a family farm in Washington’s Skagit Valley and has worked in plant pathology and genetics with grain crops for most of his career. He has been the chair of the plant pathology department for about five years and came to WSU in 2006 as the Cook Endowed Chair, a research position supported by the grain industry.

He is unsure if he will continue with those other roles after André-Denis Girard Wright, the new dean for the College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Resource Sciences, starts in June. Hulbert holds a bachelor’s degree from WSU and a master’s degree and doctorate from University of California, Davis.

Moyer, 68, who grew up on his family’s farm near Dayton, Washington, has been in the university agricultural business for 42 years, 37 at North Carolina State University and five at WSU. He and his wife, Mary, plan to continue living in Pullman but get more involved in the farm, which produces wheat, chickpeas and peas. He and Mary, a retired biochemist at GlaxoSmithKline, also plan to ski, travel and get involved in community activities. “We’re going to have some fun,” he said.