Fargo, N.D. — NDSU is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Michael Boland as the AgCountry Endowed Chair in Agribusiness in the Department of Agribusiness and Applied Economics. He will join NDSU on July 1, 2025, bringing with him a distinguished record of leadership in agribusiness research, teaching, and industry engagement.
The AgCountry Endowed Chair in Agribusiness was made possible through a visionary investment by AgCountry Farm Credit Services, a leader in agricultural lending and financial services. The position resides within the Center for Trading and Risk at NDSU and is designed to build national recognition for the University’s work in agribusiness education and research — particularly in the areas of finance, risk analysis, and strategic management.
“This is a truly momentous day for both North Dakota State University and AgCountry Farm Credit Services,” Lynn Pietig, Chair of the Board at AgCountry, said. “Our commitment to the future of agriculture and the development of innovative solutions for the industry is deeply ingrained in our company’s values. By establishing this endowed chair within the new agribusiness department, we are investing in the next generation of ag leaders and researchers who will drive progress and ensure the continued vitality of this critical sector. We are incredibly proud to partner with NDSU, a cornerstone of agricultural education, in this endeavor, and we look forward to the groundbreaking work that will emerge from this partnership.”
Michael brings over 25 years of experience in agribusiness education and scholarship, most recently serving as the E. Fred Koller Chair in Agribusiness Management and Information Technology at the University of Minnesota. He is a nationally recognized authority on agricultural finance, strategic agribusiness management, and cooperative governance. His research has shaped policy and practice across the agricultural sector, and he has received multiple national honors for teaching excellence and scholarly contribution.
At NDSU, he will lead new research initiatives focused on financial strategies for value-added agriculture, risk management in ag technology, and innovative partnership models. He will also develop new coursework at both the undergraduate and graduate levels and engage students in case-based learning and applied research.
“This appointment marks a powerful alignment between academic excellence and industry leadership,” Dr. William Wilson, CHS Endowed Chair in Risk Management and Trading and chair of the search committee, said. “Dr. Boland’s expertise and energy will elevate our department’s impact on agribusiness thinking in North Dakota and across the nation.”
The AgCountry Endowed Chair represents one of the most significant investments in agribusiness education in the region and will serve as a model for collaborative innovation in agricultural higher education.
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NDSU Foundation
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