Schedule of Events

8:15am - 9:15 am, Krannert Room 661

Graduate Student Poster Competition and Judging

9:30am - 11:00am, Krannert Room 758

Department Awards and Panel Discussion with APEX Award winners

11:30am - 1:00 pm

Invited lunch with APEX Award winners

1:30pm - 3:15pm, Pfendler Hall, Dean's Auditorium, Room 241

Introduction of Jay T. Akridge, Trustee Chair in Teaching and Learning Excellence, Professor of Agricultural Economics,

Dr. Akridge's presentation: “Shaping the future of higher education? – Becoming a land-grant university for our times.”

Description of the presentation: While calls for change are nothing new to higher education, from the coming decline in the number of traditional college-age students and other demographic shifts, to rapid developments in learning technologies and new providers, to public uncertainty about value and commensurate funding challenges, colleges and universities currently face a set of existential questions about the future. Can higher education maintain relevance in the coming decades? How can colleges and universities re-position to create value given the radically different operating environment that is emerging? The land-grant university was created in response to a set of national needs in learning, discovery, and engagement – relevance was woven into the design. What does the land-grant ideal mean today and what role can land-grant universities play in shaping the future of higher education? What are the implications for a Department of Agricultural Economics and specifically its learning mission? The Snyder Lecture will outline some of the most important factors facing higher education and will then focus on how a land-grant university can position for relevance and societal impact. Specific thoughts for a Department of Agricultural Economics looking to lead the profession will be shared.

3:30pm - 5:00pm, Pfendler Hall

Department Reception

ABOUT DR. JAY T. AKRIDGE

Jay Akridge is the Trustee Chair in Teaching and Learning Excellence and Professor of Agricultural Economics at Purdue University. He served from 2017-2022 as Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Diversity at Purdue. As Chief Academic Officer, he led the office responsible for the University’s overall academic strategy, faculty-related matters, teaching and learning, student life, enrollment management, engagement, and diversity, inclusion, and belonging, with a total budget of approximately $2 billion, student enrollment of more than 50,000, 2,700 faculty members, and 8,000 staff.

Jay previously served for 8+ years as the Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture where he had administrative responsibility for the academic, research, Extension, and international programs of the College. He served as Director of the Purdue Center for Food and Agricultural Business from 2000-2007, as Interim Vice Provost for Engagement at Purdue in 2007-08, and as Interim Dean of Agriculture in 2008-09.

He has held a variety of leadership positions with the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (including Chair of the Policy Board of Directors for the Board on Agriculture Assembly), the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, and regional research committees. Jay served as Chair of the Executive Steering Committee for AgriNovus Indiana and on the Board of Directors of Agriculture Future of America. He is a member of the Farm Foundation Round Table where he has held a number of leadership roles.

Jay is the recipient of the Charles Murphy Award for Distinguished Undergraduate Teaching (1996) and is listed in Purdue’s Book of Great Teachers (2003). Jay was named a University Faculty Scholar in 2000 and was the James and Lois Ackerman Professor of Agricultural Economics at Purdue before moving into administration. His research focuses on strategic management of food and agribusiness firms and adoption of new technology by agribusiness. Jay has worked with agribusiness managers in the areas of strategy and marketing in more than 20 countries. He received his master’s degree and doctorate in agricultural economics from Purdue University and his bachelor’s degree from Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky.

GUSTAVO ACOSTA-GARZA

MESBAH MOTAMED

CHRISTINA WELCH

History of the Lecture

The James C. Snyder Memorial Lecture is the Department of Agricultural Economics’ signature event at Purdue University. The lectures were established in February 1975 as an appropriate memorial to a distinguished member of the faculty. Funds are contributed by friends and corporations who wish to encourage the continuation of Jim Snyder’s professional efforts during his brief but brilliant career. As a highlight, a top professional in agricultural business and economics, or related areas, is brought to the campus to give a lecture and interact with staff and students. The Memorial Lecture, of general interest to all Department professional staff and students, is the high point of the visit. The lecture is open to the public with selected professionals invited as special guests.​

Purpose

• • Stimulate the intellectual environment of the Department for more creative research, teaching, Extension, and international activities.
  • Recognize the professional contributions of Professor James Snyder in pioneering undergraduate curriculum in agricultural business management, and in the development and application of quantitative techniques for agribusiness research and training of graduates
  • Contribute to the Department’s efforts to enhance and motivate excellence in all of its mission areas by bringing to the Purdue campus individuals who can offer unique contributions
  • Broaden the perspective of students by exposing them to outstanding professionals from other institutions, and close interaction both within structured situations and informal settings.
  • Assist the faculty on specific assignments.