In this episode, Dr. Ken Foster and Shay Doerstler sit down with Dr. Jay Akridge, a Purdue alumnus whose impact on the university spans nearly four decades. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Akridge shares insights from his 38-year journey at Purdue, discussing his experiences shaping students, faculty, and academic programs and the lessons he’s learned along the way. He also reflects on the prestigious awards he’s received, including his most recent, the Certificate of Distinction from the Purdue Agricultural Alumni Association and the 2024 Frederick L. Hovde Award of Excellence in Educational Service to Rural People of Indiana from the Purdue College of Agriculture.   Tune in for an inspiring discussion on leadership, education, and Dr. Akridge's legacy of excellence!    Dr. Akridge also runs a blog with Purdue Distinguished Professor of Economics Dr. David Hummels, titled "Finding Equilibrium: Two Economists on Higher Ed's Future." Read and subscribe to their blog: https://substack.com/@jayakridge