School strengthens corporate partnerships

By Doug Mayo
Director of Corporate Relations

On a snowy night in late February, a small group of men and women got together at the world headquarters of Dow AgroSciences in Indianapolis and made a good thing even better.

Under the leadership of Charlie Fischer, CEO of Dow AgroSciences, and Vic Lechtenberg, Dean of the Purdue University College of Agriculture, leaders, scientists, managers and strategists sat down at the table and put together a plan that will shape the future of the relationship between Dow AgroSciences and the School of Agriculture.

The company and the College of Agriculture have enjoyed a good relationship for many years. Faculty from many departments have collaborated with Dow colleagues on a variety of research projects that have helped Dow AgroSciences resolve problems while giving Purdue faculty and students opportunities to gain invaluable experience in industry.

The company has supported students directly through scholarships and internship opportunities, which create a pipeline of well-prepared potential employees. Dow AgroSciences has worked with our faculty on visiting scientist seminars, allowing scientists at Dow and the College of Agriculture to exchange ideas and hone their talents.

All of these interactions have been helpful, but until now they have lacked an overall focus. Purdue's new team approach pairs representatives from the university and corporations to find ways to bring many different interactions together to create a long-term relationship that benefits everyone.

Our relationship with Dow AgroSciences is a model for interaction with other corporations. The planning group suggested that it might be even better if researchers and human resource specialists from Dow AgroSciences could meet with faculty to discuss curriculum so that we could better prepare students for careers in industry. Dow AgroSciences is interested in supporting student seminars where visiting scientists can address students on the latest industry technologies and future plans.

Professional development opportunities for Dow AgroSciences staff will be available through different areas such as the Center for Food and Agribusiness in the Department of Agricultural Economics. Visiting scientists may have the opportunity to receive adjunct or courtesy appointments in different departments where their particular expertise can benefit students and faculty.

Ultimately, this relationship will remain flexible to provide the best value to both Dow AgroSciences and the School of Agriculture.

As director of corporate relations for agriculture, it is my job to strengthen existing relationships with industry and to find opportunities to build new relationships. With your help, perhaps the College of Agriculture can build a relationship with the company you work for.

Contact Mayo at dmayo@purdue.edu
or phone 1-800-718-0094