K-State alum Eldon Gideon has given a gift to name the deanship in the Kansas State University College of Agriculture, the fourth such named deanship at the university.
The Eldon Gideon Deanship will be transformational for the college and future agriculture students, according to K-State officials, who say the funds will empower the dean to take advantage of emerging opportunities and recruit outstanding faculty and students. Gideon is a 1957 graduate of K-State with degrees in animal sciences and industry and agronomy, who farmed for years outside of Topeka.
In a statement, Dean Ernie Minton, who is also director of K-State Research and Extension, said the college is “deeply appreciative of the gift and Gideon’s thoughtfulness in supporting the deanship.”
It’s the second consecutive year a deanship has been named at K-State. Just last year Dr. Steve and Colleen Hodes endowed a deanship in the College of Veterinary Medicine.
The announcement comes ahead of a groundbreaking involving the College of Agriculture, which will feature a new Agronomy Research and Innovation Center. That event takes place at 11:30 a.m. Monday and will feature remarks from Sen. Jerry Moran and Gov. Laura Kelly.
