Stanley Johnson, Vice Provost for Extension, (515) 294-6192, AMES, Iowa - Mark Settle has been named Iowa State University Extension's assistant to the vice provost for external relations. He began the position Jan. 1.

"We're pleased Mark has accepted this position," said Stanley Johnson, vice provost for ISU Extension. "Because of his experience with ISU Extension, he has already built strong relationships and partnerships with extension staff, our county extension councils, and organizations and leaders throughout Iowa."

Settle will lead the External Relations unit of ISU Extension. He'll also work with the Iowa Association of County Extension Councils, the Extension Citizens Advisory Council, state agencies and special interest groups.

Settle has served as interim director of external relations for ISU Extension since 1998. His previous ISU Extension positions include public policy education specialist, interim director of the Iowa Energy Center, area community development specialist and 4-H youth leader.

He received his bachelor's and master's degrees from Iowa State.

Extension provides research-based information and education for agriculture and natural resources, business and industry, communities, families and 4-H youth development, as well as continuing education through off-campus credit courses, degree programs, service-learning programs, noncredit conferences and seminars, and educational materials.