Victor L. Lechtenberg

Vice Provost for Engagement/Interim Vice President for Governmental Relations

Victor L. Lechtenberg returned to his role as Purdue's vice provost for engagement in May 2008 after serving as interim provost since July 2007. As such, he leads Purdue’s efforts in using University resources to address economic development and other issues affecting the state’s prosperity and quality of life. He works directly with Indiana’s leaders, the business community, and citizens to find ways for Purdue to advance that mission. In addition, he is serving as interim vice president for governmental affairs. This responsibility includes coordinating relationships and communication with the Indiana Congressional delegation and the legislative and executive branches of Indiana state government, as well as serving as the University liaison to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education.

Lechtenberg also helps communities throughout the state develop technology parks and promote the growth of high-paying jobs. Another goal is to advance initiatives such as the Technical Assistance Program, which helps Indiana companies implement new technologies. Lechtenberg also works with the Purdue Center for Regional Development to assist with strategic economic development planning on a regional basis.

Additional programs under Lechtenberg’s supervision include the Office for Continuing Education and Conferences and Science Bound, which assists Indianapolis Public Schools students in preparing for a science-related degree at Purdue. Prior to his original appointment as vice provost for engagement in 2004, Lechtenberg served for 10 years as Purdue's dean of Agriculture.

Lechtenberg has been an active leader on both state and national levels with respect to research and technology policy. He has also been an advocate for technology-related economic growth in the food, agriculture, and natural resource sectors. He chaired the USDA's National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education, and Economics Advisory Board from 1996-2002.

In addition, Lechtenberg has served as president of the Crop Science Society of America and as president of the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST). He is a fellow of the American Society of Agronomy and Crop Science Society of America. He also recently served on the National Academies Division of Earth and Life Studies Committee and currently serves on the Academies Board on Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Lechtenberg received his bachelor’s degree in 1967 from the University of Nebraska, where he was an agriculture honors program graduate. He received his doctorate in agronomy from Purdue University in 1971.