Illinois to Create Global Center for Food and Agricultural Communications

URBANA, Ill. — The College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign unveiled plans for a global center for food and agricultural communications as part of the National Ag Day celebration on March 19.

Named after the agricultural communications pioneer and Illinois professor emeritus, the James F. Evans Global Center for Food and Agricultural Communications will offer outreach, professional development, research, convenings and degree programs.

To kickstart the more than $5 million fundraising campaign required to establish the Evans Center, a sizable donation has been made in Evans’ name by an anonymous alumnus, the university said.

“Illinois is uniquely positioned with both a leading agricultural industry and one of the largest urban centers to be a catalyst for new insights that will benefit food systems around the world,” said College of ACES Dean Germán Bollero.

An initial phase for the Evans Center will start this year in a dedicated space adjacent to a new learning innovation lab being constructed in the lower level of the College of ACES Library, Information and Alumni Center, commonly known as the Funk Library.

“I’m looking forward to seeing students working alongside experts from diverse backgrounds to tackle the most pressing communications challenges of today’s global food systems,” said Anna Ball, associate dean of academic programs in the College of ACES.

Momentum for the Evans Center builds on the university’s agricultural communications undergraduate and graduate programs, which were revised over the past two years with industry input to help students prepare to enter the workforce. Three pillars guide the program: skill development, global awareness and critical thinking.

Needs assessments by Illinois and the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists have shown significant communications demand in areas such as strategic and critical thinking, knowledge mobilization, multi-media production processes and leadership training.

Industry professionals, alumni, faculty and students have identified priorities for the Evans Center, including professional development events, skills training, visiting global agricultural journalist programs, unbiased media research, executive seminars, consumer outreach efforts and more.

“We have been talking with potential stakeholders to ensure we have the best possible vision for what the center needs to make an impact globally,” Ball said. “Ultimately, the Evans Center will find new and better ways to advance food and agricultural communications to create a better, more sustainable future for producers and consumers.”

To learn more about the Evans Center and the agricultural communications program, contact program director Owen Roberts at oroberts@illinois.edu. To explore opportunities to support these initiatives, contact the ACES Office of Advancement at 217-333-9355 or acesadvancement@illinois.edu. Contributions can be made online at go.aces.illinois.edu/GivetoEvansCenter.