By Andi Anderson
Gerald “Jerry” Shively, professor at Purdue University and director of International Programs in Agriculture, has been named a 2025 Fellow by the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association (AAEA).
This is the highest honor awarded by AAEA and recognizes individuals whose work in research, teaching, outreach, and leadership has significantly impacted the field.
Shively is one of just five individuals selected this year. Reflecting on the achievement, he credited his success to strong mentorship and a supportive academic environment at Purdue. He has served the university for nearly 30 years, combining a passion for international development with teaching and policy research.
Before joining Purdue, Shively’s influence had already begun. As a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin, he published in top journals and led student organizations.
Since then, he has authored or co-authored over 200 scholarly works with more than 100 being peer-reviewed. His research has appeared in top journals such as PNAS, Food Policy, and World Development.
Shively has worked directly in over a dozen developing countries. His early work as a Fulbright Scholar in the Philippines marked the beginning of his global engagement.
He has led research in Malawi on farm subsidies and in Nepal on how infrastructure affects child health and nutrition. His approach is deeply rooted in using economics to understand and improve lives.
He has received numerous honors, including Purdue’s Agricultural Research Award and the Distinguished Graduate Teaching Award from AAEA. In 2018, he was inducted into Purdue’s Book of Great Teachers.
Colleagues praise his ability to connect economic theory with real-world issues. As Shively says, “This award represents the work of many. It’s a shared success that I hope inspires future economists and adds to Purdue’s global reputation.”
Photo Credit: purdue-university
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