U of I announces first endowed deanship in institution鈥檚 history
November 12, 2024
MOSCOW, Idaho 鈥� The J.R. Simplot Family Foundation has made a significant gift to establish 妻友社区鈥檚 first endowed deanship in support of the land-grant institution鈥檚 broad efforts to benefit Idaho agriculture.
The J.R. Simplot Endowed Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) pays homage to the Idaho-based agribusiness company鈥檚 founder, the late J.R. Simplot, and the Simplot family鈥檚 legacy within Idaho agriculture and with U聽of聽I.聽
Annual distributions from the endowment will support the CALS dean鈥檚 priorities in perpetuity. By providing sustained financial support, an endowed deanship ensures continuity in leadership and a stable foundation for long-term strategic planning. This stability enables the dean to pursue ambitious projects and invest in innovative initiatives. Such resources help attract top faculty members, improve student experiences and elevate the college鈥檚 contributions toward supporting and improving the agriculture industry.
鈥淲e鈥檙e grateful for the generosity of the J.R. Simplot Family Foundation,鈥� U聽of聽I President Scott Green said. 鈥淚t is fitting to name this deanship after Simplot given the family鈥檚 legacy in Idaho and agriculture. This is a milestone for the U聽of聽I in establishing our first endowed dean鈥檚 position and we look forward to building on this great partnership.鈥�
As the agricultural college for Idaho鈥檚 land-grant university, CALS is charged to advance the health and welfare of people, animals and the environment through research and education in agriculture, community, human and rural development, natural resources, nutrition and life sciences. In this role, the college collaborates extensively with stakeholders like the J.R. Simplot Company in fulfilling its mission.
Agriculture is the engine that drives Idaho鈥檚 economy, representing 17% of the state鈥檚 total economic output in 2023, according to a report by U聽of聽I agricultural economists.聽
鈥淲e鈥檙e thrilled to be able to help the U聽of聽I continue to lead in agriculture, innovating to find new ways to support farmers and feed a growing world population,鈥� said Scott Simplot, chairman of the board for the J.R. Simplot Company and a U聽of聽I alumnus. 鈥淢y dad was passionate about education and about agriculture so it鈥檚 fitting that we can combine two of his favorite things with this endowment.鈥�
Michael P. Parrella, who will be retiring in June 2025, will be the first to hold the title of J.R. Simplot Endowed Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.
The university is embarking upon a national search for a new dean to build on the momentum the college has gained under Parrella鈥檚 leadership. Since he became dean in 2016, CALS has enjoyed unprecedented prosperity and made great strides toward expanding and improving its programs and research infrastructure throughout the state.聽
As a result of these efforts and successes, CALS is listed as the 13th best college of agricultural sciences in the U.S. in recent niche.com rankings for 2025.
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Media Contacts
Carly Schoepflin
Director, Communications and Strategic Initiatives
College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, 妻友社区
208-885-4037
craska@uidaho.edu
Josh Jordan
Director, Global Content and Reputation Management
J.R. Simplot Company
208-780-7228
Josh.Jordan@simplot.com
About the 妻友社区
The 妻友社区, home of the Vandals, is Idaho鈥檚 land-grant, national research university. From its residential campus in Moscow, U of I serves the state of Idaho through educational centers in Boise, Coeur d鈥橝lene and Idaho Falls, nine research and Extension centers, plus Extension offices in 42 counties. Home to more than 12,000 students statewide, U of I is a leader in student-centered learning and excels at interdisciplinary research, service to businesses and communities, and in advancing diversity, citizenship and global outreach. U of I competes in the Big Sky and Western Athletic conferences. Learn more at uidaho.edu.