By Andi Anderson
Purdue University and the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV) in Brazil have celebrated 75 years of collaboration in agricultural education, research, and international development. The partnership began in 1951 when Purdue faculty members traveled to Brazil to support the growth of agricultural programs and research activities at UFV.
Over the following decades, more than 90 Purdue faculty and staff members contributed to teaching, research, and graduate program development at the Brazilian institution. At the same time, many UFV faculty members and students visited Purdue University for advanced education and professional training. These exchanges helped create a strong relationship that continues today.
The recent anniversary celebration brought together Purdue representatives, including , associate dean and director of International Programs in Agriculture and professor of agricultural economics; , assistant vice president of Global Programs and senior international officer; and <Robert L. “Bob” Thompson>, former Purdue dean of agriculture and professor of agricultural economics.
Reflecting on the milestone, Shively said, “This anniversary reminds us that the strongest international partnerships are built over time and through sustained interaction. For 75 years, Purdue and Viçosa have created opportunities for students and faculty to learn from one another, advance agricultural research and form relationships that extend far beyond either campus. We are proud of that history and excited to build on it as we address the challenges facing agriculture today and in the future.”
The partnership played a major role in helping UFV develop into one of South America's leading agricultural universities. Purdue faculty members, including former professor of agronomy Ellsworth Christmas, professor emeritus of horticulture Jules Janick, former professor of forestry Doug Knudson, and D. Woods Thomas, Purdue Agriculture’s first associate dean for international programs, helped establish a strong academic foundation.
Robert L. “Bob” Thompson also reflected on his personal connection to the partnership. He said, “My professional career began in Viçosa during the final two years of my PhD program in 1972 and 1973. I was there not only to conduct my doctoral research but also to work alongside colleagues in UFV’s Department of Rural Economy. Together, we strengthened academic programs, shared knowledge and built relationships that helped carry the Purdue-Viçosa partnership forward.”
Today, the collaboration continues through student exchanges, faculty partnerships, and joint research projects. Purdue students have conducted research at UFV in agricultural engineering, agronomy, animal sciences, food science, veterinary medicine, and related fields. These experiences allow students to gain international knowledge while learning about Brazilian agriculture and culture.
Arola emphasized the value of global learning, stating, “Experiencing how different regions tackle agricultural challenges teaches students that technical knowledge must always be paired with local cultural and environmental context. International partnerships, such as the very impactful and historic one with UFV, provide students with a combination of classroom and hands-on experience. By collaborating across diverse teams, they gain critical thinking skills essential for today’s global workforce.”
In 2026, Purdue's International Research Academy also connected early-career faculty members with researchers at UFV and other Brazilian universities. The initiative encouraged collaboration on important topics such as food security, sustainability, and agricultural resilience.
During the anniversary event, UFV leaders honored Purdue’s contributions to the university’s development. , professor and dean of research and graduate studies at UFV, said, “For many at UFV, the Purdue-Viçosa partnership represents more than a chapter in our shared history. The knowledge, collaboration and generosity Purdue faculty brought during UFV’s formative years helped lay a foundation that continues to shape our university’s development and international standing.”
Seventy-five years after it began, the Purdue-UFV partnership remains a powerful example of how international cooperation can strengthen agricultural education, research, and innovation for future generations.
Photo Credit: purdue-university
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