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University of Illinois Announces Agriculture Communications Center

  • Writer: Bob Benenson
    Bob Benenson
  • 3 hours ago
  • 2 min read

Center Honors Professor Emeritus James F. Evans


James F. Evans, professor emeritus at University of Illinois, is the namesake for the school's newly established Global Center for Food and Agricultural Communications. Photo from University of Illinois
James F. Evans, professor emeritus at University of Illinois, is the namesake for the school's newly established Global Center for Food and Agricultural Communications. Photo from University of Illinois

World Business Chicago is hosting the Chicago Venture Summit: Future of Food 2025 on Tuesday, October 14 at 167 Green St. in the city's West Loop — and University of Illinois' College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) will be there to discuss a big new development with beneficial implications for farmers and food businesses seeking to improve their communications.


ACES earlier this month announced a "new era" with the establishment of

James F. Evans Global Center for Food and Agricultural Communications. The announcement — made on September 3, the 93rd birthday of the namesake Dr. Evans, after the college surpassed the $5 million university threshold.


According to Mary L. Ball, ACES' Director of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications, Evans "is celebrated as a pioneer in agricultural communications, whose scholarship and teaching shaped the field and inspired generations around the world."


She continued, "Today, as we celebrate his 93rd birthday, we also celebrate the future his vision has inspired. What better way to honor his legacy than by launching a center that will shape food and agriculture for generations to come?"


Here is how the College describes the program:


The Center that bears his name will influence every corner of the food and agriculture industry — how farmers tell their stories, how consumers understand their food, and how leaders make decisions for a sustainable future...


The Evans Center will:


  • Advance cutting-edge research to tackle the toughest communication challenges in food and agriculture.

  • Equip professionals and industry leaders with tools that make an immediate impact.

  • Engage the public in meaningful dialogue on issues that affect us all.

  • Build bridges across the food system to align farmers, industry, policymakers, and consumers.


Click the button below to learn more about the Center and to make a donation to help the University build it out to its fullest potential.



And click the next button to learn more about the Chicago Venture Summit: Future of Food.



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