The Kansas State University College of Agriculture has announced the appointment of Dr. Joseph Awika as the new Department Head of Grain Science and Industry and Director of the International Grains Program Institute, effective August 18. Dr. Awika, an internationally renowned food scientist, will also serve as Director of the Food Science Institute.
Dr. Ernie Minton, Kansas State University's Eldon Gideon Dean of the College of Agriculture and Director of K-State Research and Extension, expressed enthusiasm for Dr. Awika's appointment. "Joe is known internationally for his excellence in research and in the classroom. His experience will build upon and grow our world-renowned programs in grain and food sciences. I have no doubt he will carry forward the tradition of excellence for all three of these organizations and continue accelerating the momentum the university has as we begin building the Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation," Minton said.
Dr. Awika comes to Kansas State from Texas A&M University, where he led the Department of Food Science and Technology. He earned his undergraduate degree at Egerton University in Kenya and his doctoral degree in food science and technology from Texas A&M.
Dr. Minton also thanked Dr. Hulya Dogan for her leadership and dedication as Interim Department Head over the past two years.
