W. David Downey Endowed Chair
in Agricultural Sales and Marketing
About Dave Downey
A visionary founder
Dr. David Downey, the visionary founder of Purdue's Center for Food and Agricultural Business, has had a profound impact on executive education in agribusiness. Since launching the center in 1986, he has been instrumental in its growth as a global leader, impacting over 30,000 professionals and collaborating with more than 100 companies worldwide.
Dr. Downey also developed the first agricultural sales and marketing program in the U.S., impacting over 10,000 students and shaping agribusiness education across more than 80 institutions. Throughout his career, he has been globally recognized with numerous awards for his contributions to teaching, research and industry leadership.
About the Endowed Chair
A legacy of excellence
The Department of Agricultural Economics at Purdue University has established the W. David Downey Chair in Agricultural Sales and Marketing to honor and sustain the legacy of excellence in education and industry collaboration that Dr. Downey built throughout his distinguished career.
The endowed chair will fund research in farmer decision-making, sales processes and marketing strategies—areas that Dave pioneered. It will also enhance Purdue's ability to attract and retain top faculty, sustaining the university's world-class reputation in agribusiness education. By focusing on long-term teaching excellence, the endowed chair will continue Dave's commitment to educating the next generation of agribusiness leaders.
Ways to Contribute
Honoring the legacy
Make a Gift
A gift toward the endowed chair will help sustain Purdue's leadership in agribusiness education by attracting and retaining top faculty, ensuring future generations benefit from the same educational excellence that shaped countless industry leaders.
Send a Note
If you're unable to attend the celebration but would like to share a message with Dave, we invite you to send us a note or video reflecting on his impact or expressing your thanks.