Jessica Graves Selected as Director of the Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies
Graves to step into new role on June 1 following Dr. Raymie Porter’s retirement
HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University has hired Dr. Jessica Graves to fill the roles of director of the Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies and assistant professor of agriculture. She will begin her duties on June 1, 2026. The selection of Graves concludes a national search due to the impending retirement of current director Dr. Raymie Porter. Graves will provide oversight for an expanding agriculture program currently celebrating its 10th anniversary.
“My first encounter with HU ag was 10 years ago at a National FFA Convention,” Graves said. “For the last decade, I have watched the faculty and staff commit themselves to serving students and the agricultural community in a way that is purpose-driven and intentional. I am often noted as a ‘people person,’ and relationship-building is important to me. As such, I was not only drawn to HU because of the people and the rich HU community, but the University also provides a space for me to live out my faith in Christ while exercising my vocational calling as an educator.
“The director role resonated with me as an opportunity to steward the Haupert Institute into its next season of growth and continue the legacy of Christ-centered education where faith and farming intersect — an intersection that has shaped both my personal faith journey and my professional life in agricultural education and international missions.”
Graves earned a Bachelor of Science degree in animal and dairy sciences, a Master of Science degree in agriculture (animal nutrition) and a PhD in agricultural and extension education, all from Mississippi State University. Graves served as an academic advisor and instructor at Mississippi State for over 14 years before taking the director of international capacity development position for the M4 Institute in 2023.
Graves specifically serves as an agricultural specialist for M4, which is an international development organization. In 2024, Graves joined Huntington University on a part-time basis as an adjunct professor. In that role, she led the development of the international agriculture track for Huntington’s MBA program and coordinated international mission trips for Huntington’s agriculture program. Graves intends to continue her involvement with M4 alongside her new role at HU.
Huntington University President Dr. Robert Pepper shared his enthusiasm for Graves’ hiring.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Jessica Graves to her new full-time role at Huntington University, where her unique blend of academic expertise and hands-on agricultural experience will strengthen our program and the Haupert Institute,” Pepper said. “Her global perspective and Christ-centered approach to developing students will have a meaningful and lasting impact on our campus and beyond.”
Graves summarized her vision for the agriculture program as being one honoring Christ first and foremost while further deepening the program’s impact on students and the community.
“I am eager to bring my experiences, vision and passion for encouraging and equipping young people to serve the Kingdom well, locally and globally, through agriculture,” Graves said. “From inter-departmental collaborations to agricultural community partnerships, I look forward to leading the Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies in a way that is Christ-honoring and promotes an environment where faculty, students and the HU community can flourish. I am excited to start connecting with farmers, ranchers, agribusiness leaders, ag educators and others to invite them to walk alongside us in this academic space where ‘faith, family and farming’ isn't just a slogan — it's who we are.”
