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 joined 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
“Our commitment to the future of agriculture and the development of innovative solutions for the industry is deeply ingrained in our company’s values,” Lynn Pietig, chair of the board at AgCountry, said. “By establishing this endowed chair within the 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.
“Most of my career has been spent in public-private partnerships which is why this position was so attractive,” Michael said. “I look forward to working with students of all ages and backgrounds in education and scholarship.”
At NDSU, Michael 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.
“We are sincerely grateful for the support of AgCountry, which made this endowed chair position possible. Their partnership and forward-thinking philanthropy have been a huge benefit to our students and to our agribusiness community,” Dr. Greg Lardy, Joe and Norma Peltier Vice President for Agriculture, said. “We are also thrilled that we were able to hire Dr. Boland into this position. His breadth of experience with agribusiness finance and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of leaders in agribusiness finance will leave a lasting mark on the industry in this region.”
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. Michael will be installed during the AgCountry Endowed Chair Medallion Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 14 at 8:30 a.m. CT at the AgCountry Auditorium in Richard H. Barry Hall.
ABOUT NDSU FOUNDATION
The NDSU Foundation builds enduring relationships that maximize advocacy and philanthropy to support North Dakota State University.
ABOUT AGCOUNTRY FARM CREDIT SERVICES
Headquartered in Fargo, N.D., AgCountry Farm Credit Services (AgCountry) has managed assets in excess of $12 billion and over 700 employees. AgCountry is a member-owned, locally-governed lending institution that provides credit and financial services to more than 25,000 farmers and ranchers in portions of Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Providing agribusiness loans and leases nationwide, AgCountry is a part of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of cooperative financial services institutions that serve agriculture and rural America.