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Purdue Ag Deans reunite and discuss future of agriculture

The Purdue Ag Alumni Fish Fry brought together the current dean of the Purdue College of Agriculture as well as four former deans.

Karen Plaut says their experiences span more than 30 years, but their views on agriculture and education remain the same.

“We’re all on the same page on the importance of agriculture and the importance of a land-grant mission,” she says. “We really appreciate their support overtime and what they’ve done to build this college.”

Jay Akridge, Randy Woodson, Vic Lechtenberg, and Bob Thompson were on the panel with Plaut.

Plaut tells Brownfield the panel gave them the opportunity to not just look back, but to also look ahead.

“In the future we see much more emphasis on digital agriculture- using data for decision making,” she says. “That’s includes agriculture, large industries, small industries, and forestry so we’re very excited about that.”

Akridge served as dean from 2008-2017, Woodson served from 2004-2008, Lechtenberg served from 1994-2004, and Thompson served from 1987-1993.

Audio: Karen Plaut, Purdue University