Bernie Engel Appointed as Purdue's New Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture

Bernie Engel has been selected as the Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture at Purdue University, effective July 15. This significant appointment follows an extensive nationwide search, marking a new chapter for Purdue's renowned College of Agriculture. With his vast experience and proven leadership, Engel is poised to propel the college to even greater heights of research, academic excellence, and community outreach.

Engel, currently serving as the senior associate dean of agricultural research and graduate education within the College of Agriculture, will succeed Karen Plaut, who recently assumed the role of Purdue's executive vice president for research. Throughout his distinguished career spanning 35 years at Purdue, Engel has demonstrated exceptional dedication and expertise in the field of agricultural engineering.

Under Engel's leadership, Purdue's Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering consistently earned the top spot in the nation as the premier biological/agricultural engineering program. This accomplishment showcases Engel's ability to foster excellence and drive innovation within the college.

As the new dean, Engel is committed to raising the reputation of Purdue's College of Agriculture to a global scale. He envisions a future where groundbreaking research, student education, and stakeholder engagement converge to shape the future of agriculture. By leveraging the college's exceptional faculty, staff, and students, Engel is confident in his ability to achieve these goals.

Engel's extensive expertise lies in the development and application of water quality models and environmental decision support systems. His contributions have had far-reaching impacts, particularly in the realm of pesticide spray drift protection through the implementation of a national registry using web GIS technology.

Purdue University is eager to embrace Engel's visionary leadership, recognizing his ability to drive impactful initiatives that align with the institution's mission as a leading public research university and land-grant institution. With Engel at the helm, the College of Agriculture is poised for a promising future, marked by continued excellence, innovation, and fruitful partnerships with stakeholders both locally and globally.

Photo Credit: Purdue University