Kansas State University’s College of Agriculture has appointed Joseph Awika as the head of the Department of Grain Science and Industry, the director of the International Grain Program Institute, and the director of the Food Science Institute. Awika, an internationally renowned food scientist, will join KSU from Texas A&M University on Aug. 18.
Awika’s appointment was met with excitement by Ernie Minton, Dean of the College of Agriculture at KSU. Minton praised Awika’s excellence in research and teaching, stating that he is confident that his leadership will enhance KSU’s programs in grain and food sciences, as well as contribute to the development of the Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation.
Awika holds a doctoral degree from Texas A&M University and has received several prestigious awards in recent years. He will succeed Hulya Dogan, who served as interim department head for the past two years, replacing Gordon Smith.
KSU is currently undergoing a $210 million agriculture infrastructure upgrade, including the construction of the Global Center for Grain and Food Innovation. The facility is scheduled to be completed by the fall of 2026, coinciding with Awika’s arrival.
