Bumpers College Dean Edwards Named Crop Science Society Fellow

Jeff Edwards, dean of U of A's Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences, has been named a Fellow by the Crop Science Society of America, which is presented based on outstanding contributions to crop science through education, national and international service, and research.

Edwards became dean of Bumpers College in January, but before that, was head of the college's Department of Crop, Soil and Environmental Sciences from 2022-24. Prior to that, he was head of the Plant and Soil Sciences Department at Oklahoma State University from 2015-22.

Edwards initiated his faculty career at Oklahoma State University in 2004 as an assistant professor and small grains extension specialist where he focused on increasing the productivity and profitability of wheat production in the southern Great Plains. Much of his effort was devoted to interdisciplinary research and extension projects focused on dual-purpose wheat production and use of technology to improve stakeholder engagement. Edwards achieved promotions to associate professor in 2009 and full professor in 2012. In 2011, he was honored as the holder of the Warth Distinguished Endowed Professorship.

His scholarly contributions include 92 refereed journal articles, one book chapter, 102 peer-reviewed extension fact sheets and co-invention of twelve wheat varieties.

Edwards' scholarship and impact has been recognized by many awards and honors from multiple organizations, including the 2013 USDA National Award for Excellence in Extension, the 2021 OSU Career Services Career Champion Award and the 2007 Oklahoma Wheat Growers Association Promoter of the Year.

A first-generation college student, Edwards earned his B.S. in agriculture from Western Kentucky University in 1995. In 1999, he became a Razorback and earned places on Senior Walk for an M.S. degree in crop science in 2001 and Ph.D. in crop science in 2004. Edwards furthered his leadership education by graduating from LEAD 21, the Oklahoma State University Academic Leadership Academy and the Food Systems Leadership Institute.

Fellow is the highest recognition bestowed by the CSSA. Members of the society nominate worthy colleagues based on professional achievements and meritorious service. Up to 0.3 percent of the society's active and emeritus members may be elected Fellow.

CSSA is a progressive international scientific society that fosters the vision to improve the world through crop science. Based in Madison, Wisconsin, and founded in 1956, CSSA is the professional home for 4,000-plus members dedicated to discovering and applying plant science solutions to improve the human condition and protect the planet. Crop science is highly integrative and employs the disciplines of conventional plant breeding, transgenic crop improvements, plant physiology, and cropping system sciences to develop and improve varieties of agronomic, turfgrass and forage crops to produce feed, fiber, food and fuel.

CSSA supports its members by providing peer-reviewed publications through a digital library, educational programs, scientific meetings, recognition and awards, career services, student activities and science policy initiatives via a Washington, D.C., office.

About the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences: Bumpers College provides life-changing opportunities to position and prepare graduates who will be leaders in the businesses associated with foods, family, the environment, agriculture, sustainability and human quality of life; and who will be first-choice candidates of employers looking for leaders, innovators, policy makers and entrepreneurs. The college is named for Dale Bumpers, former Arkansas governor and longtime U.S. senator who made the state prominent in national and international agriculture. For more information about Bumpers College, visit our website, and follow us on Twitter at @BumpersCollege and Instagram at BumpersCollege.

About the University of Arkansas: As Arkansas' flagship institution, the U of A provides an internationally competitive education in more than 200 academic programs. Founded in 1871, the U of A contributes more than $2.2 billion to Arkansas' economy through the teaching of new knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship and job development, discovery through research and creative activity while also providing training for professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the U of A among the few U.S. colleges and universities with the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the U of A among the top public universities in the nation. See how the U of A works to build a better world at Arkansas Research and Economic Development News.