U of I announces first endowed deanship in its history

University of Idaho news release

MOSCOW, Idaho - The J.R. Simplot Family Foundation has made a significant gift to establish University of Idaho's first endowed deanship in support of the land-grant institution's broad efforts to benefit Idaho agriculture.

The J.R. Simplot Endowed Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS) pays homage to the Idaho-based agribusiness company's founder, the late J.R. Simplot, and the Simplot family's legacy within Idaho agriculture and with U of I.

Annual distributions from the endowment will support the CALS dean's priorities in perpetuity. By providing sustained financial support, an endowed deanship ensures continuity in leadership and a stable foundation for long-term strategic planning.

This stability enables the dean to pursue ambitious projects and invest in innovative initiatives. Such resources help attract top faculty members, improve student experiences and elevate the college's contributions toward supporting and improving the agriculture industry.

"We're grateful for the generosity of the J.R. Simplot Family Foundation," said U of I President Scott Green. "It is fitting to name this deanship after Simplot given the family's legacy in Idaho and agriculture. This is a milestone for the U of I in establishing our first endowed dean's position and we look forward to building on this great partnership."

As the agricultural college for Idaho's land-grant university, CALS is charged to advance the health and welfare of people, animals and the environment through research and education in agriculture, community, human and rural development, natural resources, nutrition and life sciences.

In this role, the college collaborates extensively with stakeholders like the J.R. Simplot Company in fulfilling its mission.

Agriculture is the engine that drives Idaho's economy, representing 17% of the state's total economic output in 2023, according to a report by U of I agricultural economists.

"We're thrilled to be able to help the U of I continue to lead in agriculture, innovating to find new ways to support farmers and feed a growing world population," said Scott Simplot, chairman of the board for the J.R. Simplot Co. and a U of I alumnus. "My dad was passionate about education and about agriculture so it's fitting that we can combine two of his favorite things with this endowment."

Michael P. Parrella, who will be retiring in June 2025, will be the first to hold the title of J.R. Simplot Endowed Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

The university is embarking upon a national search for a new dean to build on the momentum the college has gained under Parrella's leadership.

Since he became dean in 2016, CALS has enjoyed unprecedented prosperity and made great strides toward expanding and improving its programs and research infrastructure throughout the state.

As a result of these efforts and successes, CALS is listed as the 13th best college of agricultural sciences in the U.S. in recent niche.com rankings for 2025.