On this episode of Agbioscience Dr. Robert Pepper, President of Huntington University, joins us to explore how their team is building talent for the future of agriculture. Just months into his presidency, Rob shares what drew him to Huntington, how the university is positioning itself inside Indiana’s agbioscience innovation economy and why hands-on, industry-connected learning matters more than ever.
The conversation also examines Huntington’s growing agriculture programs, from its six bachelor’s degrees and farm lab to its animal science education center and looks ahead to the next chapter of talent development. Along the way, Rob discusses what employers are asking for, how cross-disciplinary learning is shaping student readiness and what success could look like for Huntington over the next decade.
Episode highlights:
Stepping into Huntington University’s presidency in 2025 at a moment of rapid change across the industry
What makes Huntington’s mission and momentum compelling
The university’s case for playing a meaningful role in Indiana’s innovation ecosystem
How Rob sees Huntington contribution to industry and workforce needs
The foundation laid by Dr. Sherilyn Emberton, former president, including the launch and development of the ag program – and how he sees it evolving under his leadership
How the program has grown – six bachelor’s degrees in ag, a farm lab and an animal science education center
What Pepper hears from industry leaders, where employers may be seeking a different kind of graduate and Huntington is positioned to deliver
Building critical bridge to cross-collaborative and allied domains like biology, data, engineering and health
The value of internships, mentorship, corporate partnerships and other real-world applications that help students gain confidence to enter the industry
How strategic partners are shaping Huntington’s program outcomes and how they choose partners that work well for them
Rob defines success in talent development and what excites him most about the future
