Purdue Agriculture InFocus

October 2023
From the Dean 

October has been another busy month across the College of Agriculture with many of our faculty and staff being recognized for their outstanding accomplishments across research, teaching and outreach.

A major highlight happened earlier this week when Gebisa Ejeta, Distinguished Professor of Agronomy, received the National Medal of Science from President Biden during a ceremony at the White House.

EjetaandPresidentBiden

This is the highest recognition our nation bestows upon scientists and engineers, and he is the 19th Purdue faculty/alumnus to be honored with a national medal. Read more about Dr. Ejeta and the world-changing impact of his work here.

The college also had 11 faculty members inducted into the Purdue Book of Great Teachers, which honors faculty who are devoted to excellence in teaching and scholarship. These faculty represented seven academic departments within the college and four are previous winners of the university’s Charles B. Murphy Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award.

Check out more honors and accomplishments from Purdue Agriculture below.

This is a terrific time to be part of the college and I’m excited to see what else we can accomplish as we work together to position Purdue Agriculture as a leader at all levels.
Bernie

Upcoming College Award Seminars
Hertel Seminar
2023 Corinne Alexander Spirit of the Land Grant Mission Award Seminar, November 1
Oliver ARGE Award
2023 Agricultural Research Award Seminar, November 6

Honors and Recognitions
North Central Soybean Team

2023 National Excellence in Multistate Research Award: North Central Region Research Alliance on Soybean Diseases. Darcy Telenko (center), Botany and Plant Pathology, serves as Purdue's representative.
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Cale Bigelow

Cale Bigelow, Horticulture and Landscape Architecture: Fellow of the American Society of Agronomy
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Barry Delks Special Boilermaker Award

Barry Delks (center), Animal Sciences: 2023 Special Boilermaker Award
Read More

Future of Purdue Extension Task Force

I want to provide an update on the Future of Purdue Extension Task Force that I am convening to help the College of Agriculture leadership team envision Purdue Extension services that continue our commitment to make a meaningful and tangible difference in the lives and livelihoods of Hoosiers in every county. The task force has been formed and will kick off later this month.

Linda Prokopy, professor and department head of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, is leading the task force and Angie Abbott, interim associate dean and director of Purdue Extension, will serve as a non-voting member. The following stakeholders have agreed to participate: 
  • Nicole Adams, School of Nursing, Purdue University
  • Mike Beard, CARET (Council on Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching) Delegate
  • Naomi Bechtold, Purdue Extension 
  • Zachary Brown, Office of Multicultural Programs, College of Agriculture
  • Kendell Culp, State Representative and Indiana Farm Bureau 
  • Claudia Cummings, Indiana Philanthropy Alliance
  • Roberto Gallardo, Office of Engagement, Purdue University 
  • Seth Harden, Purdue Ag Alumni Association
  • Dena Held, Purdue Extension
  • Don Lamb, Indiana State Department of Agriculture
  • Geoff Lossie, College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab
  • Maria Marshall, Agricultural Economics, College of Agriculture
  • Fred Rosemeyer, Washington Township Schools
  • Denise Scarborough, Indiana Soybean Alliance
  • Mark Sigler, Indiana Farm Bureau, Inc.
  • Jane Sipe, Purdue CARET Delegate
The Future of Purdue Extension Task Force is charged with conducting a thorough review and analysis of current Extension structure and programs and recommending strategic moves to meet the most important needs at the county and state levels. The financial constraints of near-flat funding, coupled with the evolving landscape of technology, communication and societal needs, demand a comprehensive assessment of Extension programs to ensure their sustained significance and impact.

The task force will serve in an advisory role and their recommendations will serve as a roadmap to ensure that Purdue Extension remains a vital and impactful resource for years to come.