School of Agriculture welcomes new director

Sue Clayton will be joining the School of Agriculture at the University of Manitoba (UM) as its new director on October 17.  She brings to the role strong leadership skills and a broad network of relationships within industry, government, organizations and the Manitoba education community.

Located in the UM Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, the School coordinates the two-year Agriculture Diploma program and offers a variety of certificate, non-credit and professional development programs for the agri-food industry on behalf of the Faculty.

Clayton comes to the School from her previous position as the executive director of Agriculture in the Classroom – Manitoba (AITC-M), where over seven years she helped expand the organization’s agricultural literacy programming and capacity. During the COVID-19 shutdown, Clayton and her team pivoted AITC-M programs to virtual delivery, transforming a challenge into an opportunity to reach even more Manitoba students and teachers in remote communities.

Prior to AITC-M, she worked in the Faculty as its community liaison coordinator where she developed and coordinated student recruitment initiatives, and connected with prospective students, educators, producer and industry stakeholders to promote FAFS education and research programs.

Clayton also has extensive public education and governance expertise, having served nearly two decades as a four-term school trustee and board chair for the Pembina Trails School Division, and as governing board chair for Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology.

Clayton graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Agricultural Economics) from the UM, and worked for several years in international sales and marketing in the agricultural industry.

“The role of Director of the School of Agriculture encompasses what I have been passionate about over the course of my career – agriculture and education,” says Clayton.  “I see many opportunities ahead that will build upon the solid foundation of the School, ensuring our new curriculum continues to serve the next generation of farmers and agricultural sector employees.”

Clayton succeeds Michele Rogalsky, who retired as director in June 2022.