Last summer, Titus Awokuse, Michigan State University Vice Provost and Dean for International Studies and Programs, was one of six Fellows inducted to the 2024 Agricultural and Applied Economics Association (AAEA) Class. One year later, he has been named president-elect of the organization. Awokuse previously served on AAEA’s executive board from 2020-2023.

The AAEA is the leading professional organization in its field, with more than 2,500 members. 

Awokuse is the second Spartan to lead the organization in less than 10 years. Scott Swinton, MSU professor in the Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics (AFRE), served as the AAEA president from 2017-18.

MSU is well-represented among the organization’s leadership. AFRE Associate Professor Vincenzina Caputo joined the Executive Board of AAEA during the summer of 2023, and additional MSU faculty members serve the organization in other capacities.

“Dr. Awokuse’s experience as a leader among his peers, coupled with his international distinction as a scholar, make him an outstanding choice to serve as the AAEA’s next president,” said Chad Cotti, professor and chairperson of AFRE.

“Michigan State University and the AFRE have benefitted from Dr. Awokuse’s many strengths as an administrator, and I know that his work as president of the AAEA will build on the contributions of his predecessors.”

“It is a great honor to be recognized by my peers. The landscape of higher education is undergoing profound shifts, marked by significant changes and increasing scrutiny regarding the value and relevance of our work,” Awokuse said.

Cognizant of AAEA members’ changing needs, Awokuse is committed to strengthening AAEA partnerships.

“For members of the AAEA, one pressing challenge is ensuring continuing access to external funding to sustain research and outreach activities,” said Awokuse.

“To address the pressing challenges of declining public funding, I aim to have fostered meaningful collaborations and to have developed a comprehensive engagement strategy to strengthen AAEA’s partnerships with the private sector.”

Awokuse, who also is Red Cedar Distinguished Professor of Agricultural and Applied Economics, previously chaired the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics (2015-2021) at MSU and the Department of Applied Economics at the University of Delaware (2011-2015). He earned his doctorate in agricultural and applied economics from Texas A&M University. His research explores how international trade and food market liberalization policies drive economic growth, enhance food value chains and improve food security.

“It is incredibly rewarding – and affirming — to see Dr. Awokuse’ s outstanding scholarship and leadership strengths recognized at this international level,” said MSU Interim Provost Thomas Jeitschko. “Congratulations to Titus as he prepares to step into this key role at this prestigious global association during a time of critical importance for higher education.”