Purple prestige

Ted Schroeder's tenure at Kansas State University spans 40 years, and throughout his lifetime of service, he has contributed significantly to advancing the university's mission. Now, the university distinguished professor of agricultural economics is the recipient of the Amethyst Award, K-State's most prestigious award.

The Amethyst Award recognizes extraordinary contributions of those who personify the university's mission of advancing the well-being of Kansas, the nation and the international community. The awardee also possesses a deep commitment to leadership.

"Dr. Schroeder has advanced the university through his impactful research, extensive publications and the countless students he has mentored during his 40-year tenure at Kansas State University," said President Richard Linton. "His impressive achievements reflect his deep dedication to the university and will undoubtedly inspire future generations of researchers and innovators."

Schroeder joined the university in 1986 as an assistant professor and achieved full professor status in 1996. He was named a university distinguished professor in 2004.

A rare and extraordinary honor, the university awarded the first Amethyst Award to Amy Button Renz, former president and CEO of the K-State Alumni Association, in 2012.

"The Amethyst Award recognition is an honor beyond comprehension," Schroeder said. "To even be considered to join a list with the likes of Amy Button Renz, a K-State icon, is immensely humbling. I am forever grateful for the fantastic collaborators I have had the opportunity to work with, the truly amazing students I have had the privilege of engaging with, and the agricultural industry leaders I have learned so much from over the years. I thank President Linton and the gracious supporters of K-State and our programs for this generous notation."

An icon of the beef industry

Schroeder's research focuses on improving commodity market efficiency by investigating price discovery methods and advancing market coordinating mechanisms and applied risk management. A notable expert in the beef industry, he has authored or co-authored 148 peer-reviewed articles, nine book chapters and more than 63 research reports.

Schroeder has been principal or co-investigator on more than 60 grants totaling $6.6 million of direct support to K-State, as well as leading efforts to secure approximately $4 million in gifts supporting student experiential education. In 1995, when the beef industry was facing challenges, Schroeder was instrumental in advising a group that developed U.S. Premium Beef, a grid premium program for producers that changed the demand equation for the U.S. beef industry by developing incentives that led to the production of higher quality beef.

"The Kansas beef sector is recognized around the world for its robust production capacity and impressive efficiency," a nominator said. "Many people had a hand in building that reputation; I contend none has done more than Ted Schroeder to help the sector make sound business decisions today and understand the macro- and micro-forces shaping it for the long run."

Schroeder is passionate about helping others understand agriculture and the economics of the beef industry. He advises state and federal legislators on agricultural policy. According to his nomination, he is a favorite presenter at many industry gatherings for his ability to synthesize and discuss complex concepts and create useful takeaways for producers. He is also a routine source for trade and national press and has been featured in numerous top outlets.

Schroeder's awards of excellence, leadership and service

Over the course of his tenure, Schroeder has received numerous recognitions, including the Mark and Eva Gardiner Innovation and Excellence Faculty Award for his innovative teaching and research as well as his positive impact on the global food system. He also received the Outstanding Alumni Award, Agricultural Economics from the University of Nebraska; U.S. Meat Export Federation Eric Choon Memorial Research Award; and Distinguished Scholar, Western Agricultural Economics Association.

Of his many accolades, Schroeder said that by far, his greatest honor comes from seeing his former students achieve extraordinary success in industry, academia and life.

He has served in several leadership positions, including as editor of the Review of Agricultural Economics, associate editor of the Journal of Commodity Markets, CME Group Agricultural Market Advisory Council, and president of the Western Agricultural Economics Association. He was also the founding director of K-State's Center for Risk Management Education and Research.

He received his bachelor's degree in agricultural economics from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and his doctorate in agricultural economics from Iowa State University.