By Blake Jackson
For more than 40 years, Dr. Anson Elliott, faculty emeritus at Missouri State University, devoted his career to strengthening agricultural education and leadership. He served 36 years as director of the William H. Darr School of Agriculture, guiding its growth into a full college in 2016.
In fall 2025, the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) recognized Elliott with its Column Award for Distinguished Alumni, one of the institution’s highest honors. Reflecting on his journey, Elliott credited the mentors who shaped his path.
"At first, I had no idea what I was doing other than trying to do my very best. I was just trying to pass and move on,” Elliott said. “But my professors did wonders for me giving me exceptional guidance. I feel humbled by this honor because I have so much respect for the people at the university.”
Raised on a family farm in Houston, Missouri, Elliott developed an early passion for agriculture and was active in FFA. Encouraged by his agriculture teacher, he attended the University of Missouri-Columbia, earning a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education in 1965, a master’s in agronomy in 1968 and a doctorate in agronomy in 1972.
Elliott later taught high school agriculture and developed the first wild rice variety at the University of Minnesota, naming it “Netum.”
Joining Southwest Missouri State University in 1978, Elliott became department head in 1980 and remained in that role until retiring in 2016. Elliott expanded academic programs, launched a freshman leadership course and founded the Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter in 1995.
“I wanted to encourage them to pursue their dreams and help them find opportunities and internships so they could become more involved in the community,” Elliott said. “I’m humbled that I was given the opportunity to support and encourage so many ag alumni who are now leaders across the state.”
“By honoring me, these organizations are honoring all these other people who made this possible, especially the students, and I’m proud to play a small part in the success of their future,” Elliott said.
Photo Credit: missouri-state-university
Categories: Missouri, Business, Education