James Pritchett serves as the Vice President for Engagement and Extension at Colorado State University. In his role, Pritchett oversees teams responsible for CSU Extension, Colorado State 4-H, CSU Online, the Colorado Water Center, the Operations Team, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and Professional Education.

Pritchett is a seasoned university leader committed to serving Colorado, its diverse agricultural and urban communities, and CSU’s land grant mission. He has served CSU in many leadership roles including as dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and director of the Agricultural Experiment Station; assistant vice president for Engagement; and executive associate dean for the College of Agricultural Sciences. He joined the College of Agricultural Sciences faculty in 2001.

Originally from southeastern Colorado, Pritchett is a two-time CSU alum who has bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural economics from the university, and a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota in Agriculture and Applied Economics. Pritchett is a land grant economist who has worked in a wide range of teaching, research and engagement activities including agribusiness management, water resource economics, community development and interdisciplinary land management strategies.