In the spring of 1963, Jim Gardner walked into a class in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, not knowing much about writing — or the professor who would soon leave a lasting impression. That professor was Dr. Jim Evans. More than six decades later, Gardner is […]
Two short years ago, during National Ag Day at AgRally in Fort Worth, Texas — an event sponsored by John Deere and broadcast on the RFD-TV network — ACES alum and AgRally co-founder Lyle E. Orwig helped introduce the vision for the Evans Center. Fast forward to the fall of 2025 and the James. F Evans Global […]
Throughout her career, Ann Barlow has seen the power of purpose-driven communication across industries — from financial services and generative AI to soil science, animal nutrition, and agricultural technology. But among all her professional experiences, agricultural communications continue to resonate most deeply. Although Ann earned her degree in public relations from the University of Illinois […]
For Gary and Cindy Reynolds, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign marked more than the start of two fulfilling careers — it was the beginning of a lifelong commitment to education, communication, and community. Gary earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Illinois in agricultural communications and journalism. He began his career at Farm Journal, […]
Long-time Farm Progress economics editor makes significant commitment to the James F. Evans Global Center for Food and Agricultural Communications at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign For more than three decades, John Otte played a pivotal role in providing economic analysis and guidance to readers of Prairie Farmer magazine and other Farm Progress publications across the Midwest. […]
Barb and Keith Anderson, proud Illini and lifelong champions of agricultural communications, now call South Carolina home — where they parade their Illini golf cart each year in a celebration of college colors (pictured above). In their own words below, they reflect on the deep, personal impact of Dr. Jim Evans — the mentor who brought […]
What it means to honor Dr. Evans as a former student and believer in the global power of agricultural communications.
Jim Evans’ legacy inspires a proposed global center at Illinois to advance food and ag communications through connection and training.