Purdue and Viçosa celebrate 75 years of agricultural partnership

In 1951, Purdue University faculty members traveled more than 4,000 miles from West Lafayette, Indiana, to the Federal University of Viçosa in Brazil, beginning a collaboration that extended across teaching, research and institutional development. Over the next two decades, more than 90 Purdue faculty and staff members taught courses, helped establish graduate programs and worked alongside Brazilian colleagues to strengthen agricultural research and education. 

Faculty members from Viçosa made the journey in the other direction, coming to Purdue for advanced education and training.

Those exchanges began a partnership that influenced agricultural education and research at both universities. Seventy-five years later, Purdue representatives returned to Viçosa to celebrate that history and consider what comes next.

Those representing Purdue during the August celebration were: Gerald Shively, associate dean and director of International Programs in Agriculture and professor of agricultural economics; Heidi Arola, assistant vice president of Global Programs and senior international officer; and Robert L. “Bob” Thompson, former Purdue dean of agriculture and professor of agricultural economics.

The visit marked the 75th anniversary of the Purdue-Viçosa partnership and the 100th anniversary of the Federal University of Viçosa, known as UFV.

“This anniversary reminds us that the strongest international partnerships are built over time and through sustained interaction,” Shively said. “For 75 years, Purdue and Viçosa have created opportunities for students and faculty to learn from one another, advance agricultural research and form relationships that extend far beyond either campus. We are proud of that history and excited to build on it as we address the challenges facing agriculture today and in the future.” 

A partnership that changed two universities

UFV considers the connection with Purdue a defining chapter in the development of its research and graduate education programs. The institution grew from a rural vocational school into one of South America’s leading agricultural universities.

Purdue faculty members who worked in Brazil include Ellsworth Christmas, a former professor of agronomy; Jules Janick, professor emeritus of horticulture; Doug Knudson, a former professor of forestry; and D. Woods Thomas, who became Purdue Agriculture’s first associate dean for international programs.

Their work established a foundation that generations of students and faculty continued to build upon.

“My professional career began in Viçosa during the final two years of my PhD program in 1972 and 1973,” Thompson said. “I was there not only to conduct my doctoral research but also to work alongside colleagues in UFV’s Department of Rural Economy. Together, we strengthened academic programs, shared knowledge and built relationships that helped carry the Purdue-Viçosa partnership forward.”

Thompson advanced international education when he served as dean of Purdue Agriculture from 1987 to 1993. Few Purdue Agriculture students studied abroad when he became dean. By the time he left the position, 10% of the college’s graduates had completed a significant international experience.

That momentum continues. During the 2025-26 academic year, 27% of Purdue Agriculture undergraduate students participated in at least one study abroad experience, reflecting the college’s commitment to preparing students to address global agricultural challenges.

Learning Across Borders

Today, Purdue and UFV are connected through student exchanges, faculty relationships and collaborative research.

“Experiencing how different regions tackle agricultural challenges teaches students that technical knowledge must always be paired with local cultural and environmental context,” Arola said. “International partnerships, such as the very impactful and historic one with UFV, provide students with a combination of classroom and hands-on experience. By collaborating across diverse teams, they gain critical thinking skills essential for today’s global workforce.”

Purdue students have completed research placements at UFV in agricultural engineering, agronomy, animal sciences, biosystems engineering, food processing engineering, food science and veterinary medicine. They earn academic credits while gaining firsthand experience with how agricultural research is conducted in another country.

Alongside their research, students learn about Brazilian agriculture and life in Viçosa. They have explored UFV research involving coffee and macaúba palms, met agricultural producers and built relationships with UFV students. They have made cheese with dairy farmers, participated in martial arts and dance, and learned how coffee growers are improving soil health while producing a high-quality crop.

These experiences help students understand how culture, geography and local knowledge shape approaches to agriculture. They also reflect Purdue Agriculture’s commitment to learning beyond the classroom.

From Introductions to Research

In early 2026, Purdue Agriculture’s International Research Academy brought early-career faculty members to UFV and three other Brazilian universities. Participants met potential collaborators, compared research interests and began exploring projects focused on shared challenges.

The Purdue group included faculty members in animal sciences, agronomy, food science and agricultural and biological engineering. Their work addresses issues including food security, environmental sustainability and agricultural resilience.

The academy created opportunities for researchers to move beyond introductions and identify areas where their expertise could complement the work of Brazilian colleagues.

Honoring the Past and Planning What Comes Next

During the anniversary visit, Shively, Arola and Thompson joined UFV leaders, faculty, alumni and international partners in celebrating the university’s centennial and Purdue’s 75-year partnership with UFV.

At a formal plenary session on Aug. 28, Rector Demetrius David da Silva and Vice Rector Rejane Nascentes recognized the Purdue delegation before 700 guests, including university and government leaders. The Purdue delegation presented da Silva with a custom-designed bronze plaque commemorating the partnership. Purdue professor Jeffrey Volenec contributed by crafting the mounting board for the plaque from Indiana walnut.

“For many at UFV, the Purdue-Viçosa partnership represents more than a chapter in our shared history,” said Raul Narciso Guedes, professor and dean of research and graduate studies at UFV. “The knowledge, collaboration and generosity Purdue faculty brought during UFV’s formative years helped lay a foundation that continues to shape our university’s development and international standing.”