David Wright

David Wright

Department Head and Professor Emeritus of Agronomy, Horticulture, and Plant Science

Biography

As head of the Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science, I provide the vision, leadership and strategic direction and oversight in teaching, research and extension. I advocate for faculty, staff and leadership throughout the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. I lead the recruitment, development and retention of faculty and staff as well as the growth of academic, research and outreach programs. I foster relations with industry, government and alumni for the benefit of the university and its programs. I also secure and nurture existing public/private partnerships in the pursuit of leveraging resources. I am responsible for representing the department throughout South Dakota, the region and nationally. Within the department, I foster an environment of collaboration and success through positive mentoring and thoughtful leadership.

Education

  • B.S. in agronomy | Iowa State University, Ames | 1982
  • M.S. in agronomy | Iowa State University, Ames | 1986
  • Ph.D. in agronomy | Kansas State University, Manhattan | 1991

Academic and Professional Experience

Academic Interests
  • Academic and organizational leadership
  • Sustainable agriculture production
  • Soybean and corn production
Academic Responsibilities
  • PS119 - Freshman Seminar
Committees and Professional Memberships
  • American Society of Agronomy, Member for 25 years
  • American Phytopathology Society
  • Entomological Society of America
  • Crop Science Society of America, Member for 30 years
  • Weed Science Society of America, Member for 25 years
Work Experience

The department is one of the premier departments within the university, it consistently is the top award winner within the college. Our annual research awards have been ranging from $4.5 to $8.7 million from state, regional, national and federal competitions. The department has two distinguished professors, 19 professors, six associate professors and 12 assistant professors. Four lecturers (Ph.D.) and one instructor (M.S.) solidify our teaching program. In addition, two Extension Associates and nine field specialists (eight M.S. and three Ph.D.) support the department鈥檚 Extension and outreach needs. Leadership of the South Dakota Crop Improvement Association (Ph.D.) and the Foundation Seed Stock Division are also in the department. The department trains approximately 64 graduate students and 284 undergraduate students, annually. We have 22 staff positions that keep everything moving forward.

Research and Scholar Work

Awards and Honors
  • 2012, Experiment Station Excellence in Multistate Research Award, Team award given to NCERA 208 (Response to Emerging Threat: Soybean Rust), State Agricultural Experiment Stations. Denver.
  • 2012, Entomology Education Project Award, Team award for the Field Crops Insects Management Compendium, Entomological Society of America.
  • 2012, Entomology Education Project Award, Team award for the Soybean Aphid Management Field Guide, 2nd Edition, Entomological Society of America.
  • 2012, International IPM Award of Excellence, Team award for Soybean Rust-Pest Information Platform for Extension and Education (PIPE), Entomological Society of America, at the 7th International IPM Symposium, Memphis.  
  • 2009, Integrated Pest Management Team Award, Entomological Foundation, Lanham, MD for NCSRP鈥檚 role in research and grower education of the soybean aphid.
  • 2009, Experiment Station Excellence in Multistate Research Award, Team award given to S-1039 (Biology, Impact and Management of Soybean Insect Pests in Soybean Production Systems), State Agricultural Experiment Stations Directors.
  • 2009, Best Extension Publication, Soybean Aphid Management Field Guide, Entomological Society of America, North Central Division.
  • 2013, Recognition for leadership in soybean research that resulted in increased profitability to Minnesota soybean farmers, Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council and the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association.
  • 2009, Henry A. Wallace Award for Outstanding Contributions to International Agriculture in Writing, Teaching, Research and Leadership. Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Grants

Total Competitive Grand Funding: $46,621,181

Mailing Address:
Raven Precision Ag Building 140
Agronomy, Horticulture & Plant Science-Box 2100A
University Station
Brookings, SD 57007
Office Location:
Raven Precision Agriculture Center
Room 140
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Associated Areas
student looking at tomatoes
Department of Agronomy, Horticulture and Plant Science
students in a soybean field
College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences