March 14, 2025
Provost Lecture Series presents 'Raison D’être of Higher Education: Student Success'
Submitted by Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President
Join us for an inspiring lecture through the Provost Lecture Series, “Raison D’être of Higher Education: Student Success,” presented by Sonny Ramaswamy, former president of Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. This lecture will take place from 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, April 1, in the Alumni Center Banquet Room, followed by a reception from 11-11:30 a.m. in the Alumni Center's Great Room.
As a distinguished leader in higher education and agricultural sciences, Ramaswamy will discuss his insights on the purpose of higher education and its role in shaping student success. He will highlight how universities can close achievement gaps and drive innovation to better serve future generations.
After earning degrees in agriculture and entomology from the University of Agricultural Sciences in Bangalore, India, Ramaswamy completed his Ph.D. in entomology at Rutgers University. He furthered his education with postdoctoral research at Michigan State University. He has held prominent academic positions throughout his career at Mississippi State University, Kansas State University, Purdue University and Oregon State University.
In 2012, President Barack Obama appointed him as director of the USDA’s National Institute for Food and Agriculture. Ramaswamy oversaw more than $1.5 billion in federal funding to address challenges in food and agricultural systems. He assisted interagency and international partnerships to promote sustainable farming practices, food systems and advancements in technology. He later served as president of the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities from 2018 to 2025. He worked to foster access, belonging and success for every student across accredited institutions.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from an accomplished leader in higher education.
This lecture will also be available for livestream on the Provost Lecture Series website.