UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Mary Wirth, director of college relations and communications in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, recently was inducted into the Armsby Honor Society in recognition of her distinguished career dedicated to championing agriculture and advancing the mission of the college and Penn State Extension.
The Armsby Honor Society, named in recognition of the college’s first dean, Henry P. Armsby, honors alumni and friends who have demonstrated a profound commitment to the college through their service, scholarship, teaching and philanthropy.
Wirth, a Penn State alumna, has served as director of College Relations and Communications in the college since 2001. As part of the dean’s office, the unit is responsible for managing the college’s relationships and strategic communications with external audiences — with an emphasis on alumni, industry, government and prospective students — and encompasses the three mission areas of the college: education, research and extension. She also directed the college’s Office of Conferences and Short Courses, a unit that provides support for continuing education.
“Mary’s unwavering dedication to relationship‑building, advocacy and strategic communication has been instrumental in advancing our college’s mission,” said Dean Troy Ott, who noted Wirth is retiring this month. “Through her passion and persistent efforts, she has strengthened both our internal community and our external partnerships, creating a ripple effect that will be felt for years to come. On a personal note, Mary has been a trusted counselor to me over the last year as I transitioned to my role as dean. While we will greatly miss Mary’s influence and knowledge, we wish her a retirement filled with cherished family moments and well-deserved relaxation.”
Wirth also has been at the forefront of governmental relations for the college, with a focus on appropriations, as well as industry relations. She serves as the executive director of the Penn State Ag Council, an agricultural industry advisory/advocacy group that works to develop mutually beneficial relationships with college stakeholders.
“Mary has been a steadfast voice for Pennsylvania agriculture through her leadership at Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences,” said Russell Redding, Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture. “She’s been the go-to person — trusted, capable and committed — who not only understood the power of a message but knew how to deliver it with clarity, impact and purpose. Mary brought people together, solved problems and elevated the college’s work in ways that will resonate far beyond her tenure. Her legacy is one of excellence, service and a deep belief in the power of the land-grant university’s mission through agricultural education, research and outreach to change lives across the commonwealth.”
One of Wirth’s and her team’s most celebrated achievements is a project known as Atlas, which established a historic and comprehensive new business model for Penn State Extension. Created in partnership with extension leadership and launched in 2017, the Atlas digital platform provides clients with access to education on their terms, allowing them to address problems and take advantage of opportunities for improvement and innovation.
Atlas received national accolades, including a 2018 Association for Communication Excellence Gold Award for websites and recognition from then-Penn State President Eric Barron, who noted that the initiative aligned with the new Penn State 2025 vision, ensuring around-the-clock access to educational opportunities.
Chuck Gill, senior public relations specialist and news editor for the college who has worked with Wirth since she joined Penn State, said he has valued her expertise and direction.
“Mary has been a savvy director of college relations whose leadership has enabled us to craft and disseminate narratives that effectively convey the college’s strengths and strategic priorities to various target audiences,” Gill said. “As a communications staff, we knew she had our back and that we always could count on her direction and guidance to hone our messaging, helping to enhance the awareness, public perception and reputation of the college.”
Wirth has been instrumental in building support for the college and Penn State Extension with state lawmakers. This effort resulted in a 13% increase in state appropriations from 2014 to 2018, despite the presence of budget deficits.
In 2015-16, when the governor proposed a zero-budget as part of a broader impasse that left the college without funding from the commonwealth for nine months into the fiscal year, Wirth worked with college stakeholders on a comprehensive advocacy, communication and media strategy to successfully secure funding — with a 9% increase — within weeks before the University would have had to lay off 1,100 employees and shut down Penn State Extension and research station activities across the state.
Wirth has been recognized with several professional awards throughout her career. In 2023, she received the Penn State Ag Council’s Leadership Award, which acknowledges individuals, organizations and events that advance agriculture in Pennsylvania.
"It is only fitting to recognize Mary for her leadership of this organization,” said then council President Marc Lewis, who presented the award. “She has strengthened engagement and communication with college stakeholders and customers and enhanced all three mission areas in the college, resulting in the more effective, efficient and strategic use of college resources.”
In 2019, Wirth received the Professional Award from the Association for Communication Excellence. The award is the highest honor given by the organization to one of its members to recognize excellence and professionalism.
The Association for Communication Excellence, or ACE, is an international association of communicators, educators and information technologists who focus on communicating research-based information, especially in the areas of agriculture, natural resources, and life and human sciences.
“Mary understands how large organizations work and what it takes to get things done,” said Wayne Martenas, retired vice president, facilities and security, CNH America and a past president of the Penn State Ag Council. “She is deliberate and strategic, yet is thoughtful and welcoming. She makes those around her feel like part of the family.”
Before coming to Penn State, Wirth had extensive experience in natural resource issues, having worked in public relations and government affairs at both the state and federal levels for the forestry industry. She also served on both congressional and gubernatorial advisory committees on forestry issues.