Identity elements
Reference code
Name and location of repository
Level of description
Title
Date(s)
- 1992 April 11 (Creation)
Extent
1 diploma
Name of creator
Biographical history
Gary Lemme, a native of Kiester, Minnesota, has had a distinguished career in agricultural education and extension services. He Gary Lemme, Ph.D. is a distinguished leader in agricultural education, research, and extension services with over 45 years of experience in academia and administration. A native of Kiester, Minnesota, he earned a B.S. in Agricultural Education (1974) and an M.S. in Agronomy (1975) from South Dakota State University (SDSU), followed by a Ph.D. in Agronomy from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (1979), where he focused on soil moisture and stratigraphy in loessial landscapes.
Lemme began his academic career as a faculty member at SDSU (1981–1990), where he taught and conducted research in soil science. During this time, he was recognized as the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences' Teacher of the Year in 1986. He also held faculty and administrative roles at Michigan State University, where he served as Associate Director of the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station (1999–2005), and at the University of Minnesota, where he was Head of the West Central Research and Outreach Center (1992–1999). Additionally, he served as Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs at the University of Hawaii’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (1990–1992).
In 2005, Lemme was appointed Dean of the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences at SDSU. During his tenure, he oversaw a budget of over $74 million, expanded research funding, and supported academic growth across 14 departments. He played a key role in forming interdisciplinary research collaborations and strengthening sustainable agriculture programs. He stepped down in 2008 but remained at SDSU as a professor and coordinator of special programs.
Lemme's leadership continued as Director of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) from 2011 to 2021. He led the only joint 1862 and 1890 Land-Grant University Extension system in the U.S., overseeing more than 800 employees across Alabama A&M and Auburn University. Under his direction, ACES expanded outreach efforts, enhanced research-driven agricultural solutions, and secured funding to support rural development initiatives.
Throughout his career, Lemme has contributed significantly to agricultural research and education, publishing numerous peer-reviewed articles, and securing over $2 million in grants and contracts. He has completed international assignments in 16 countries, focusing on agricultural sustainability and education. His contributions have been recognized with multiple awards, including the USDA Group Honor Award for Excellence and the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture National Fellow Award.
Now serving as Extension Director Emeritus at Auburn University, Lemme remains committed to advancing agricultural education, research, and outreach programs that support the economic and environmental sustainability of rural communities.
Content and structure elements
Scope and content
System of arrangement
Conditions of access and use elements
Conditions governing access
The collection is open to all researchers, with materials accessible on-site only and not available for circulation.
For extensive research, scheduling an appointment in advance via phone or email is encouraged, including details about the research topic and intended use.
To access materials, researchers must complete and sign the Registration Form and provide proof of identity (e.g., University ID or driver’s license). By signing, researchers agree to adhere to the Reading Room Rules. The registration document also includes guidelines on making copies of materials, correct referencing, and copyright obligations
Physical access
Technical access
Conditions governing reproduction
Reproduction of materials is allowed for research purposes only, and written permission is required for publication or distribution.
Due to the delicate nature of some items, reproduction may be limited.
Languages of the material
Scripts of the material
Language and script notes
Finding aids
Uploaded finding aid
Acquisition and appraisal elements
Custodial history
Immediate source of acquisition
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling information
Accruals
Related materials elements
Existence and location of originals
Existence and location of copies
Related archival materials
Related descriptions
Notes element
General note
Ask Us!
If you have questions or would like to schedule a visit, please let us know.
General note
Copyright and Use Statement
In Copyright This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s).
Materials in this collection may be subject to Title 17, Section 108 of the United States Copyright Act. Users are responsible for ensuring compliance with copyright, privacy, trademark, and other applicable rights for their intended use. Obtaining all necessary permissions is the user's responsibility. Written authorization from the copyright and/or other rights holders is required for publication, distribution, or any use of protected materials beyond what is permitted under fair use.
Specialized notes
Alternative identifier(s)
Description control element
Rules or conventions
Sources used
Access points
Subject access points
Place access points
Name access points
- Lemme, Gary Dean (Subject)