Richard Linton (educator)

Last updated
Richard Linton
Richard Linton (cropped).jpg
Linton in 2024
15th President of Kansas State University
Assumed office
February 14, 2022

On September 15, 2012, Linton began his service as Dean of the College of Agriculture at North Carolina State University.

Linton spearheaded the development and execution of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) Strategic Plan, titled 2020 Vision: People, Programs, and Partnerships. He assembled a forward-thinking strategic planning team and facilitated 27 public listening sessions across North Carolina, engaging more than 5,000 stakeholders to gather input on the state's needs and aspirations. The resulting plan centered on five strategic initiatives designed to promote interdisciplinary collaboration, advance diversity and inclusion, strengthen public and private partnerships, and support the growth of North Carolina’s agricultural economy. [8]

As Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at North Carolina State University, Rich Linton played a key leadership role in launching the North Carolina Plant Sciences Initiative (N.C. PSI), a statewide effort to position North Carolina as a global leader in agricultural innovation. [9] Informed by a 2013 statewide agricultural tour where Linton engaged directly with farmers and stakeholders, the initiative was designed to address major challenges in agriculture, including climate change, crop disease, loss of farmland, and global food security. [10]

Under Linton’s leadership, NC State secured significant public and private support for the project. In 2015, the state approved $85 million in bond funding, and the Golden LEAF Foundation contributed $48 million—its largest-ever gift to NC State. [11] An additional $6 million was raised by 44 commodity groups. [12] Key partners in the initiative included the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. [10]

Construction of the Plant Sciences Building began in April 2019, and a ceremonial groundbreaking was held on September 6, 2019, with over 400 supporters in attendance. [10] The building was completed on time and on budget [12] and is considered one of the most advanced agricultural research facilities in the world. [13] [ by whom? ] It was designed to support interdisciplinary collaboration among scientists, government agencies, and industry leaders to develop resilient crops, boost yields, extend growing seasons, and foster economic development in rural communities. [10]

Linton described the initiative as a model of collaboration and a direct response to the needs of North Carolina’s agricultural community. [10]

Footnotes

  1. "President's Biography". President's Biography, Kansas State University. Retrieved February 21, 2022.
  2. Jason Tidd (December 2, 2021). "Kansas State University's new president Richard Linton brings ag background, touts land-grant mission". Topeka Capital-Journal. Retrieved February 21, 2022.
  3. "Setting "Big, Audacious Goals": New K-State President Tackles Economic Prosperity". Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  4. "A personal update from President Linton". K-State Today. Kansas State University. August 8, 2023. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
  5. "An update from President Linton". K-State Today. Kansas State University. October 13, 2023. Retrieved October 16, 2023.
  6. "Three things you need to know about the Next-Gen K-State strategic plan | K-State Alumni Association". www.k-state.com. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  7. Kinander, Jason (2024-09-12). "K-State President Richard Linton gives State of Our University address". WIBW. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  8. "Past Planning". CALS Strategic Plan. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  9. TechWire, WRAL (2021-09-09). "North Carolina Plant Sciences Initiative taps agrichemical exec to become its first executive director | WRAL TechWire" . Retrieved 2025-07-30.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 Matricciano, Mick (2019-10-14). "Golden LEAF Helps North Carolina State University break ground on Plant Sciences Initiative building". Golden LEAF Foundation. Retrieved 2025-07-29.
  11. Matricciano, Mick (2019-10-14). "Golden LEAF Helps North Carolina State University break ground on Plant Sciences Initiative building". Golden LEAF Foundation. Retrieved 2025-07-30.
  12. 1 2 Staff (2021-03-08). "N.C. Plant Sciences Progress Update". College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Retrieved 2025-07-30.
  13. Patrick (2019-09-08). "NC State University breaks ground on Plant Sciences building". Morning Ag Clips. Retrieved 2025-07-30.