December 5, 2008
Provost and former agriculture dean recognized for rural service
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - |
The award, which honors Purdue staff with a record of outstanding achievement and service to rural Indiana, was announced Friday (Dec. 5) at the Indiana Farm Bureau convention in Evansville.
"Randy has served the state of Indiana with distinction and has been an outstanding leader for agriculture in the state, as well as for our industry nationally and globally," said Jay Akridge, interim dean of agriculture.
Woodson, who was named provost this year, is the university's chief academic officer. He was recognized for his efforts to improve agricultural opportunities and educate people in various audiences about the importance of agriculture.
His career at Purdue started in 1985 when he joined the faculty in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, becoming head of that department in 1996. In 1998 Woodson became director of agricultural research programs and associate dean and served as dean of Purdue Agriculture from 2004-2008.
During Woodson's tenure as dean, more than 100 new faculty were hired and several new student success programs, including leadership development, multicultural awareness and study abroad, were implemented and/or expanded. New partnerships were established with the College of Engineering to expand biological engineering and environmental and ecological engineering and also with the College of Science to launch the Climate Change Research Center. In addition, Purdue Extension hired 100 new county educators while he was dean.
Woodson also was a supporter of the agricultural industry and its economic and sociological impact on Indiana's rural communities. With his encouragement, several college-level courses were extended to high schools. These courses were in the areas of food, plant and animal science, providing high school students an opportunity to develop their interests in the science of agriculture.
Woodson also has worked with a variety of agricultural organizations and stakeholder groups, including the Purdue Council for Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching and the Dean's Advisory Council.
"Randy is a visionary who sees a world well beyond his own discipline and beyond the purview of food and agriculture," said Victor L. Lechtenberg, Purdue vice provost for engagement. "He is among the very best at forming partnerships and facilitating teamwork and collaborative efforts that move our state forward."
The Frederick L. Hovde Award of Excellence in Educational Service to Rural People of Indiana is sponsored by the Indiana Farm Bureau and carries with it an $800 cash prize. The award was inspired by Hovde, who served as Purdue president from 1946 until he retired in 1971.
Writer: Elizabeth Fritz, (765) 494-8402, elfritz@purdue.edu
Sources: Jay Akridge, (765) 494-8391, akrdige@purdue.edu
Victor L. Lechtenberg, (765) 494-9095, vll@purdue.edu
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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