Ted A. McKinney
BS '81, Agricultural Economics
Age: 44
Title: Global leader, Public Affairs - Biochemistry
Company: Dow AgroSciences
Location: Indianapolis, Ind.
A.K.A.: Purdue Pete 78-80
1. Best advice…
I learned that it was important - and I leaned the ability - to work
with people of great diversity. Steve Miner (former assistant dean of
students) and John Sautter taught me leadership abilities that enabled
me to deal with both friendly and difficult situations.
2. Boiler memory…
Football victories in the Peach Bowl (1978 in Atlanta), Bluebonnet Bowl
(1979 in Houston) and Liberty Bowl (1980 in Memphis) while serving as
Purdue Pete. Receiving the G.A. Ross Award as the outstanding senior
male at Purdue was special, too.
3. Thank you…
My parents, Mark and Judy McKinney, for establishing a sense of values
and teaching me the importance of hard work. Also Larry Bohl, who taught
me the importance of being dedicated to studying, and that there was
a lot more to my college career than just agriculture.
4. Great escape…
I enjoy spending time with my family and I enjoy reading (World War
I, mysteries and motivational books). And I still find time to assist
the FFA and 4-H. I got so much out of those two organizations, I feel
there is some duty to give back what I can.
In his words:
"Purdue had a great deal to do with shaping who I am in two major
areas: course content and campus activities. Education is certainly
books and study, but it's also interaction with people. This is a people
world no matter what your life's desires."
