November 18, 2024
Minton to champion philanthropic efforts for K-State's Agriculture Innovation Initiative
Submitted by Division of Communications and Marketing
K-State's Agriculture Innovation Initiative will gain the special attention of one of its most celebrated champions in 2025. Ernie Minton, Eldon Gideon dean of the College of Agriculture and director of K-State Research and Extension, will transition into a new role supporting the College of Agriculture, driving the philanthropic priorities of the initiative effective July 1, 2025. Minton will continue as dean through June 2025.
In this new role, Minton will focus on securing the funding needed for the Agriculture Innovation Initiative, collaborating with the KSU Foundation to engage with stakeholders, partners and donors. Minton's vision of integrating innovative programmatic approaches with state-of-the-art facilities has already driven substantial philanthropic success for this project. In addition, he will oversee the transition of new and renovated spaces from construction to occupancy and use. To date, the university has secured more than $186 million of the total $210 million in funding required to fuel the initiative.
This initiative invests in interdisciplinary education, research and industry partnerships in grain, food, animal and agronomic sciences. The initiative will provide both new and improved teaching spaces for more than half of all the students taking courses in the College of Agriculture. It is also critical support for the Kansas economy, as the agriculture industry generates about $81 billion annually.
"The Agriculture Innovation Initiative is a $210 million project and the largest infrastructure effort ever undertaken at K-State," Minton said. "I look forward to the concentrated efforts of this role and continuing to advance K-State as a worldwide, next-generation leader in value-added grain and livestock-based food."
During Minton's tenure as dean, he led the planning and initiation of the Agriculture Innovation Initiative. Since his appointment as dean and director of K-State Research and Extension in 2019, the college has consistently ranked among the nation's top 10 agriculture programs. Currently, K-State's College of Agriculture is ranked in the Top 100 in the world for agricultural sciences at No. 67 by U.S. News and World Report. Under Minton's leadership, the college and KSRE have seen remarkable growth in their research portfolio and extension impact, achieving record-breaking extramural awards and stakeholder engagement year after year.
Prior to being named dean, Minton spent 25 years as a faculty member for the department of animal sciences and industry at K-State. Starting in 2008, Minton began serving in administrative roles, including as associate dean for research and graduate programs and associate director for the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station.
Minton is actively involved in the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, which reflects his deep personal belief in the mission of the land-grant university system and the opportunity it offers for advancing the public good. Minton serves as chair of APLU's Board on Agricultural Assembly Policy board of directors.
"Dean Minton's enthusiasm for the Agriculture Innovation Initiative parallels his dedication to the academic and extension endeavors within the College of Agriculture and K-State Research and Extension," said Jesse Perez Mendez, provost and executive vice president. "I appreciate his work now and as he continues to advance K-State's interdisciplinary work within the agriculture space."
A national search for dean of the College of Agriculture and director of K-State Research and Extension will begin soon. Once final, details will be announced in K-State Today.