By Andi Anderson
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) is set to announce plans for a new global center focusing on food and agricultural communications. This announcement will take place today at 2 p.m. Central Time on The Cowboy Channel, coinciding with National Ag Day celebrations.
Dean Germán Bollero of the College of ACES highlighted Illinois' unique position with both a leading agricultural industry and a large urban center, suggesting it can offer valuable insights to benefit food systems worldwide.
The center, named after agricultural communications pioneer and Illinois professor emeritus James F. Evans, aims to advance excellence in this field through various activities such as outreach, professional development, research, gatherings, and degree programs.
To kickstart the fundraising campaign required to establish the Evans Center, a generous donation has been made in Evans' name by an anonymous alumnus.
The initial phase of the Evans Center will commence this year in a dedicated space next to a new learning innovation lab being built in the lower level of the College of ACES Library, Information, and Alumni Center, often referred to as the Funk Library.
Associate Dean Anna Ball expressed excitement about students collaborating with experts from diverse backgrounds to address pressing communication challenges in global food systems.
The Evans Center's momentum builds on the strengths of the agricultural communications undergraduate and graduate programs, which have undergone revisions over the past two years with input from various industry stakeholders. These programs prioritize skill development, global awareness, and critical thinking.
Needs assessments conducted by Illinois and the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists have highlighted significant demand for communication skills in strategic thinking, knowledge mobilization, multimedia production processes, and leadership training.
Stakeholders, including industry professionals, alumni, faculty, and students, have identified priorities for the Evans Center, such as professional development events, skills training, global agricultural journalist programs, unbiased media research, executive seminars, and consumer outreach efforts.
Ball emphasized ongoing discussions with potential stakeholders to ensure the center's vision aligns with global impact goals. Ultimately, the Evans Center aims to advance food and agricultural communications for a better, more sustainable future for producers and consumers.
For more information about the Evans Center and the agricultural communications program, contact Program Director Owen Roberts at oroberts@illinois.edu. To explore opportunities to support these initiatives, reach out to the ACES Office of Advancement at 217-333-9355 or acesadvancement@illinois.edu.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: Illinois, General