September 28, 2004
Akridge named Ackerman Professor in agricultural economics
|
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Jay T. Akridge has been appointed the new James and Lois Ackerman Professor of Agricultural Economics.
Akridge, director of the Center for Food and Agricultural Business, also oversees the online dual degree program, which consists of a master's degree in business administration from Kelley School of Business at Indiana University and a master's degree in agribusiness from Purdue.
"His outstanding leadership in those areas has increased the positive impact of Purdue on the food and agricultural sector of Indiana," said Sally Thompson, department head in agricultural economics.
The named professorship, made possible by a $1.5 million gift from the Ackermans of Carmel, Ind., is the first endowed chair in the department. Purdue's Board of Trustees on Friday (Sept. 24) ratified Akridge's appointment to the professorship. James Ackerman earned a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics from Purdue in 1947.
"I learned that good professors teach more than just economics, and when you have that kind of experience, you are bound to do well," Ackerman said.
Akridge works with food and agricultural managers across the nation, conducting professional development programs in agribusiness management and marketing. He also teaches graduate and undergraduate courses in strategic management of food and agribusiness companies.
"He is an innovative leader committed to helping companies and their employees adopt new methods for success," said Randy Woodson, interim dean of Purdue's School of Agriculture. "Jay is also an award-winning teacher, and we are thrilled to honor one of our most accomplished faculty members with this distinction."
Akridge said, "This professorship is an investment in the agricultural economics department. I am pleased to be able to use this opportunity to seek more creative and innovative uses of technology in our educational programs."
Among his accomplishments, in 1996 Akridge received Purdue's highest teaching award, the Charles B. Murphy Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award, and he was named a University Faculty Scholar in 2000. In 2003 he was added to the Purdue Book of Great Teachers, and he received the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Ag Science Excellence in Teaching Award.
Akridge earned his bachelor's degree in agriculture and business administration from Murray State University in 1982. He earned his master's and doctoral degrees in agricultural economics from Purdue in 1983 and 1986, respectively.
Writer: Beth Forbes, (765) 494-2722; forbes@purdue.edu
Sources: Jay Akridge, (765) 494-4327; akridge@purdue.edu
Sally Thompson, (765) 494-4205
Randy Woodson (765) 494-8392
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722; Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
Agriculture News Page
To the News Service home page