Dr. Jay Akridge, a 1982 MSU alumnus, has been named the next Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture at Purdue University, taking on a job that oversees academic, research, Extension and regulatory service for Indiana and beyond.

Akridge has been serving as interim dean, and his appointment is pending ratification by the board of trustees. Akridge replaces Randy Woodson who was named Purdue's provost last May.

"Jay is an excellent leader who has a clear vision for Purdue Agriculture," Woodson said in announcing the appointment. "He is a very positive force who has the ability to build on the outstanding quality of one of the nation's leading agricultural institutions."

Akridge will be responsible for administering academic and research programs in the College of Agriculture and the Indiana Agricultural Experiment Station; outreach through the Purdue Cooperative Extension Service and International Programs in Agriculture; and will oversee a number of state regulatory services, including the Office of Indiana State Chemist and Seed Commissioner and the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory.

"Agriculture plays an important role in Indiana's economic vitality," Akridge said. "The state looks to us to grow leaders to create new enterprises, provide expertise to help the industry remain globally competitive, and be a valued partner in youth and rural development. This is our charge and is what the people of Purdue Agriculture are passionate about."

Akridge has been director of the Purdue and Indiana University Kelley School of Business MS/MBA in Food and Agribusiness Management program and the James and Lois Ackerman Professor of Agricultural Economics. Previously Akridge served as the university's interim vice provost for engagement and was director of the Center for Food and Agricultural Business, which provides professional development and research for agricultural industries.

Akridge is an agribusiness expert with research, teaching and Purdue Extension activities focused on improving managerial decision-making skills. Special interests include strategic management and marketing, adoption of new technology, and the buying behavior of agricultural producers.

In 1996 he received Purdue's highest teaching honor, the Charles B. Murphy Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award, and was named a University Faculty Scholar in 2000. In 2003 he was added to the Purdue Book of Great Teachers.

Akridge earned a bachelor's degree in agriculture and business administration from MSU and received master's and doctoral degrees in agricultural economics from Purdue.

Woodson said Akridge was selected following a national search from which three candidates were chosen for campus interviews. Woodson thanked the committee, headed by Willie Reed, dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine, for its good work.

"Dr. Akridge received widespread support from the university community and Purdue Agriculture's many stakeholders," Reed said. "He impressed the search committee with his vision for the future of the college."