Purdue University Board of Trustees appoint Johnson to crop sciences endowed chair

The Purdue University Board of Trustees has approved the appointment of William Johnson, professor of weed science in the botany and plant pathology department, to the position of the Corteva AgriScience Henry A. Wallace Chair in Crop Sciences.

William Johnson In nominating Johnson for the position, Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture Bernie Engel wrote: “Dr. Johnson's cutting-edge research, with a specific focus on addressing the needs of farmers in Indiana and neighboring states, coupled with his impactful mentorship of both graduate and undergraduate students, positions him as an excellent fit for this esteemed chair.”Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education Ron Turco praised Johnson’s scholarly impact. “Dr. Johnson's exceptional record in weed management, especially in corn and soybeans, has garnered national and international recognition. His innovative research, published in top-tier journals and supported by numerous grants, reflects his commitment to advancing the field.”

Johnson, who joined the Purdue faculty in 2002, focuses on researching weed management that directly impacts crop productivity, resilience and quality, reduces environmental impacts and enhances food security.

Johnson described how this appointment will impact his work. “I am very honored to receive this recognition for my work on the war against weeds. I am a true believer in the land grant mission of extending our cutting-edge research results to the ultimate end user of our information, the Indiana farmer and their farming operations. This chair will allow me to continue to do my work on finding the most economical, efficacious, and environmentally sound approaches involving herbicides, non-chemical control methods, and the use of new technology to minimize the impact of weeds on crop yields and productivity.”

The Corteva AgriScience Henry A. Wallace Chair in Crop Sciences supports a faculty member who applies modern technology to crop science. Corteva Agriscience provided the gift funds for this position in 2018 that were matched by the anonymous donor who established the College of Agriculture Endowed Chair Challenge Matching Gift Program

Featured Stories

Wildlife alumna Lauren Wetterau kneels next to a red squirrel midden in the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem; a red squirrel sits on downed tree
Alumna Lauren Wetterau's Research Featured on Animal Planet Show

2023 wildlife alumna Lauren Wetterau is coming to a television screen or streaming service near...

Read More
Lenny Farlee shows teachers how to use a Biltmore stick at the Natural Resources Teachers Academy.
FNR Extension Set to Offer Four Editions of Forest Management for the Private Woodland Owner Course in Spring 2026

Do you want to learn more about trees, forests and how to better manage your woodlands for a...

Read More
FNR canopy image
Into the woods: Discovering forestry at Purdue

For Collin Morris, choosing Purdue Agriculture meant choosing a place that was close to home but...

Read More
Farm land with silos
Q3 agrifood industry sentiment stabilizes near baseline as investment appetite returns

This quarter’s Agrifood Economy Index (AEI) reveals that industry sentiment has stabilized...

Read More
Organic greenhouse in Peru
Growing food security in the High Andes

In Peru’s Colca River Valley, a project with the National University of San Agustín de...

Read More
Headshot of Maria Marshall standing in the hallway of an academic building, smiling.
2025 Hovde Award recipient announced

Purdue University College of Agriculture awarded the Frederick L. Hovde Award of Excellence in...

Read More