March 11, 2025
Transition of the College of Agriculture's Food Science Program
The College of Agriculture announced that it is moving its food science interdisciplinary program from the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry to the Department of Grain Science and Industry. Ernie Minton, Eldon Gideon Dean of the College of Agriculture, said this move enhances the program’s interdisciplinary identity, optimizes resources, and strengthens industry connections.
The transition of the food science degree programs, the administration of the Food Science Institute, and interdisciplinary graduate degrees in food science will be supervised by Joseph Awika, head of the Department of Grain Science and Industry.
"Strategically, this shift improves collaboration between the food and grain science disciplines, which will lead to more innovative research and educational opportunities, particularly in grain and plant-based value-added foods," said Minton. "It is a significant step towards optimizing our resources and enhancing the overall effectiveness of the food science program."
Minton stated that the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry will continue supporting faculty and programs for meat animal and dairy product research, teaching, and extension.
This change coincides with the anticipated opening of the new Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation and the modernization of dairy and meat processing facilities in Call and Weber Halls as part of the larger Ag Innovation Initiative.
"The completion of the Global Center and renovations to Call and Weber Hall will result in a complex of academic buildings that will serve the food science discipline across animal- and plant-derived foods and support multidisciplinary research themes across the global food system," Minton added.