Following a national search, Michigan State University Interim Provost Thomas Jeitschko has recommended Titus Awokuse to serve as the next vice provost and dean for International Studies and Programs at Michigan State University, effective Feb. 7, 2025. Awokuse will also hold the title of Red Cedar Distinguished Professor of Agricultural and Applied Economics. Prior to approval by the MSU Board of Trustees, Awokuse will serve as vice provost and dean designee, beginning on Jan. 15.
As vice provost and dean, Awokuse’s portfolio will encompass a large and complex set of units, including twelve area and thematic centers and programs, eight student and scholar programs, eight offices of international services and administrative support, and numerous affiliated globally focused units across campus.
Awokuse currently serves as associate dean for research and strategic partnerships in International Studies and Programs. He previously served as chairperson and professor in the Department of Agricultural, Food and Resource Economics, or AFRE, at MSU. Prior to joining MSU, he was chairperson and professor in the Department of Applied Economics and Statistics at the University of Delaware.
As associate dean, Awokuse’s accomplishments include the expansion of programs aimed at promoting existing global research initiatives and the development of new strategic partnerships around the world. He also facilitated the review and organizational enhancement of two major partnership platforms at MSU — the Alliance for African Partnership and Asia Hub — both of which complement MSU’s highly regarded Title VI centers and empower MSU’s global mission in the development of innovative research, teaching and outreach.
In addition, he guided comprehensive program reviews and strategic planning processes and enhanced engagement with MSU stakeholders across various colleges and globally. During Awokuse’s tenure as department chair, AFRE experienced a significant expansion in research productivity and global capacity development engagements. The department also rose to its highest global ranking of fourth in the world by the Center for World University Rankings, for AFRE’s excellence in the agricultural and applied economics profession.
“Dr. Awokuse has a superb background in top research that is impactful in a broad and global context. He also possesses strong administrative acumen and experience, including in international research and partnerships,” said Jeitschko. “His professional trajectory embodies the importance of the internationalization of top research, teaching, and engagement and is foundational to his commitment to building upon and elevating all that MSU does in international research, teaching and engagement.”
Awokuse has conducted extensive research and published widely on how global trade and market liberalization policies enhance inclusive economic growth, improve food supply chains and promote food security in developing and transition economies. He has authored over 70 manuscripts and book chapters, and his research has been supported with over $14.3 million in external funding by a variety of federal and international funding organizations. In recognition of his contributions as a researcher leading innovation related to the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning in the analyses of agricultural markets and trade, he was recently named a member of the class of 2024 fellows of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association.
An internationally respected scholar, Awokuse has consulted for national governments, international development agencies, nongovernmental organizations and private businesses. He also has made notable contributions to the agricultural and applied economics profession through his leadership roles and service on various committees, advisory groups and executive boards, as well as by his active membership in global professional associations. His professional influence and impact extend beyond research and academic leadership and are reflected in his mentorship of numerous students and early-career professionals who have achieved successful careers in academia, government and the private sector.
Awokuse earned his doctorate in agricultural and applied economics from Texas A&M University.
“I am honored with this opportunity to advance global programs and engagement at MSU and grateful for the exceptional leadership of my predecessors who have helped ingrain our international work so deeply into the university’s identity and mission,” said Awokuse. “MSU’s international programs have a rich history and tradition of forging transformative and enduring partnerships that support the development of global citizens and the creation of innovative solutions to local and global challenges. I am deeply committed to promoting and facilitating cross-campus and global opportunities. It will be exciting to work collaboratively with our many talented faculty, staff, students and partners to further strengthen MSU’s role in addressing critical global challenges through strategic enhancements to our international education, research and engagement.”
Awokuse will succeed Steven Hanson, who will work on special projects related to MSU’s global engagement and return to disciplinary work as he transitions to retirement. Hanson has provided outstanding leadership as vice provost and dean for International Studies and Programs for over a decade.
“Dr. Awokuse is an exceptional leader with a deep understanding of International Studies and Programs and the complexities of MSU’s global work — experience that uniquely positions him to lead our international programs with vision and purpose,” said Hanson. “ISP holds a distinctive and respected place among peer universities, and I am excited that it will continue to thrive and evolve under Dr. Awokuse’s guidance, further strengthening MSU’s commitment to global collaboration, innovation and impact.”