Akridge

On the same day (May 1) William “Randy” Woodson assumed the duties of the provost of the university, Jay Akridge became interim dean of Purdue Agriculture.

Akridge, MS ’83, PhD ’86, is the James and Lois Ackerman Professor of Agricultural Economics, was director of the Center for Food and Agricultural Business, and most recently was Purdue’s interim vice provost for engagement.

“Jay has done excellent work in the agricultural economics field and has proven leadership skills that will be an asset to Purdue Agriculture,” said Victor Lechtenberg, who was interim provost but has since returned to his position as vice provost for engagement. “His vision and management experience will help move the college and Purdue Extension forward during this time of transition.”

A search committee has been named, and a national search for the new agriculture dean is underway.

Akridge is responsible for administering academic programs in the College of Agriculture. He also oversees Agricultural Research Programs, the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service and a number of state regulatory services, including the State Chemist’s Office, the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory and the Indiana Wine-Grape Council.

Akridge’s research has examined the buying behavior of commercial agricultural producers, management and marketing strategies of small agribusiness firms, and adoption of precision agricultural technologies in agribusiness industries. He has worked with agribusiness managers worldwide in the areas of strategy, finance and marketing.

Previously, Akridge led a Purdue center that conducts management education programs for working professionals in the food and agribusiness industries. He also directed the MS/MBA program, which consists of a master’s degree in business administration from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University and a master’s degree in agricultural economics from Purdue.

Akridge also taught graduate and undergraduate courses in strategic management of food and agribusiness firms. In 1996 he received Purdue’s highest teaching honor, 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 is a past recipient of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Ag Science’s Excellence in Teaching Award.

Contact Akridge at akridge@purdue.edu