By Andi Anderson
Purdue University has announced two major leadership appointments within its College of Agriculture. Dr. Nicole Widmar has been named the new head of the Department of Agricultural Economics, and Dr. Tomas Höök will assume leadership of the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources in July 2025.
Bernie Engel, Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture, welcomed both leaders, praising their outstanding qualifications. "Both leaders bring exceptional leadership skills and experience to their positions," Engel said. "They will be key members of our college’s leadership team."
Dr. Widmar, originally from New York, holds a PhD in agricultural economics from Michigan State University. She has served Purdue since 2010, earning numerous accolades for her teaching and engagement. Her research focuses on farm business management, production economics, and decision-making under risk.
Widmar values the department’s entrepreneurial spirit and its role in addressing real-world problems. “I want to foster an environment where people want to be a part of something bigger than themselves,” she said.
Dr. Höök, a respected Great Lakes researcher, has secured nearly $50 million in funding during his time at Purdue. Since 2018, he has also directed the Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant. His work focuses on fish and fisheries ecology, and he is passionate about the Great Lakes.
Born in Sweden and raised in Alabama, Höök earned his PhD from the University of Michigan. He has been part of Purdue’s Department of Forestry and Natural Resources since 2008. “I am energized about how our collective programs can effectively transition and grow,” he said.
Both appointments highlight Purdue’s commitment to advancing agricultural education, research, and outreach to benefit communities and the environment.
Photo Credit: purdue-university
Categories: Indiana, Education