NRCS names Ivan Dozier new state conservationist

CHAMPAIGN - Ivan Dozier has been named state conservationist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, replacing Bill Gradle who retired in January.

He begins his new duties April 23.

Dozier holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agronomy and a Master’s in Environmental Studies from the University of Illinois.

He served six years in the U.S. Army Reserve and is a 28-year veteran of NRCS, having worked in seven locations across Illinois as a soil scientist, soil conservationist, and a district conservationist.

For the last eight years Dozier served alongside former NRCS leader Bill Gradle as the assistant state conservationist for programs.

He also has served as President of the Illinois Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society, was the American Indian male representative to the National Civil Rights Committee and served as national president of NRCS’ American Indian and Alaska Native Employee Association.

Dozier will remain at NRCS’s Champaign office.