The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) at the University of Minnesota recognizes that individuals both within and outside of the University environment can make meaningful contributions to the activities and scholarship of the institution. The School of Agriculture Endowed Chair in Agricultural Systems, supported by a $2.2 million endowment, is based exactly on that philosophy.
The Chair represents a unique opportunity for leaders in the academic, business, farming, government, and non-profit sectors of agriculture, rural development, and related fields to contribute to and help shape the future of rural Minnesota. The Chair is intended to serve as a catalyst for innovation and progress on agricultural and rural issues within the College and Minnesota, and can be filled by individuals or project teams which rotate through the position, serving flexible, varying-length terms as appropriate for their proposed activities.