By the end of high school Dr. DeAnn Presley knew she was interested in agriculture, the environment, and science in general. Dr. Presley was raised on a small farm in western Iowa. Upon graduating high school she began her undergraduate education at Iowa State University. Dr. Presley found that a major in Agronomy fit all of her interests.

Her undergraduate education at Iowa State University, and later her graduate work at Kansas State University, prepared her for her current position as Extension Specialist for Environmental Soil Science and Management. Beyond her time spent conducting research in applied soil management, Dr. Presley provides a wide variety of information to both rural and urban constituents – ranging from terrace construction to home waste system maintenance.

“By specializing in environmental soil science, I am able to work at the interface of agricultural production and the conservation of natural resources,” Dr. Presley said.

During her professional career Dr. Presley has learned the importance of keeping an open mind and being flexible. These skills have proved vital in her position. Dr. Presley not only trains individuals in Extension but also actively seeks their suggestions for research projects.
“I truly enjoy interacting with others, and Extension is definitely a two-way form of communication,” said Dr. Presley.

Outside of her work at the university Dr. Presley enjoys spending time with family including her husband Wess and sons Grant and Forrest, and finding the time to enjoy the great outdoors. She enjoys riding 4-wheelers and boating in her free time. On a rainy day Dr. Presley, looks forward to scrapbooking and reading.