August 13, 2008

Foster named interim head of agricultural economics department

Foster succeeds Sally Thompson, who will be taking a leave of absence from Purdue. She intends to assume a position with the Economic Research Service at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, she said.

"Sally has done an outstanding job over the past six years, and her leadership is much appreciated," said Jay Akridge, interim Dean of Agriculture. "She leaves behind a dynamic, highly productive department, well positioned to serve Purdue Agriculture's traditional learning, discovery and engagement missions."

An expert in production economics and marketing of livestock products, Foster will head a department with a wide variety of research, extension and education programs. Part the College of Agriculture, the department offers seven majors with 46 faculty, about 400 undergraduate students and 120 graduate students.

"I am excited to work with the exceptional people that make up this department," Foster said. "It is an honor to serve in this capacity, and I look forward to helping members of our department leverage their skills and capabilities to better serve the university and the state of Indiana."

Foster grew up on a farm in Wheatfield, Ind., and attended Purdue, where he earned a bachelor's degree in agricultural education. Following graduation he spent three years in Central America as a Peace Corps volunteer. After completing a master's degree at the University of Georgia and his doctorate at the University of California-Davis, both in agricultural economics, he returned to his alma mater as a faculty member in 1990.

Foster's numerous accolades include two separate awards for research and outreach from the Gamma Sigma Delta honor society. He also received the Purdue Agriculture Graduate Educator Award in 2006, Cooperative Extension Service Association Team Award and the Dean's Team Award.

"Ken is a respected member of our faculty and demonstrated his leadership abilities as associate head," Akridge said. "He will do a great job of guiding the department during this transition."

Writer: Douglas M. Main, (765) 496-2050, dmain@purdue.edu

Sources:   Ken Foster, (765) 494-1116, kfoster@purdue.edu

Jay Akridge, (765) 494-8391, akridge@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
Agriculture News Page

To the News Service home page