For over four decades, Dr. Anson Elliott, Missouri State University faculty emeritus, dedicated his life to advancing agricultural education. 

He spent 36 years as director of the William H. Darr School of Agriculture, which became a college in 2016.

In fall 2025, the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources (CAFNR) honored him with its Column Award for Distinguished Alumni for his outstanding leadership and contributions to the agricultural community. He was one of six recipients of the college’s highest alumni award. 

Elliott credits his success to the educators who supported him during his time as a student.  

“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,” he 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.” 

From a family farm to academic excellence 

Elliott grew up on a family-owned farm in Houston, Missouri, where he developed a lifelong passion for agriculture. His parents taught him to explore his talents and always reminded him that he had enough to succeed — never enough for arrogance. From a young age, he played an active role in his local Missouri FFA chapter.  

With encouragement from his high school agriculture teacher and support from a scholarship, he enrolled at the University of Missouri-Columbia. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Education in 1965, followed by a Master of Science in Agronomy in 1968 and a PhD in Agronomy in 1972.   

Early in his career, Elliott taught high school agriculture courses in Clever, Missouri.  

He also developed the first variety of wild rice at the University of Minnesota. It was named “Netum” meaning “first” in honor of the Chippewa Native Americans who first grew it in lakes.         

Guiding future generations 

In 1978, he joined what was then Southwest Missouri State University and was promoted to department head in 1980. He served in the leadership role until his retirement in 2016.  

Reflecting on his long career at Missouri State, Elliott credited the students with keeping him inspired.  

“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,” he said.  

Under his leadership, the school gained national recognition and expanded academic offerings by introducing programs, such as Agricultural Business, Agricultural Communication and Agricultural Education. He also began a leadership course for incoming freshmen, many of whom became agricultural ambassadors and secured many endowed scholarships that continue to support students every year.  

“I’m humbled that I was given the opportunity to support and encourage so many ag alumni who are now leaders across the state,” he said.  

A lasting legacy 

In April 1995, Elliott initiated the Collegiate Farm Bureau chapter at Missouri State. Associated with the largest farm organization in Missouri, it immerses students in state and national public policy issues.  

He has also served in leadership roles on state and national boards, advocating for agricultural education and helping secure federal funding for non-land-grant universities like Missouri State. Since 2022, he has been a member of the university’s Board of Governors.  

In addition, Elliott pioneered partnerships with Mizzou and CAFNR, including agricultural training for farmers in the Bahamas and sharing mechanization and goat expertise in Kenya. He also helped provide Mesonet weather stations at Missouri State and Convoy of Hope sites. 

In recognition of Elliott’s impact, U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley created the Dr. W. Anson Elliott Preparing the Future of Agriculture Award in 2023 and the Anson Elliott Citizen Leadership Award Endowment was established at Missouri State in 2009. Other honors he has received over the years include: Wall of Fame inductee at Missouri State, Missouri’s Agricultural Educator of the Year, Missouri Agriculture Leader of the Year, the National Association of College and Teachers of Agriculture Distinguished Educator Award and the Distinguished Service Award from Missouri Farm Bureau. 

“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.    

A blueprint for impact 

Throughout his career, he has been guided by a commitment to genuinely caring for students and colleagues while maintaining high standards. He believes in encouraging dialogue and never making choices alone but trusting your own instincts when making decisions.  

“One can never have all the answers. I always wanted faculty, staff and students involved before making decisions,” he said. 

Although retired, Elliott continues to serve the agricultural community in his role as a senior agriculture advisor for Convoy of Hope, a global faith-based humanitarian organization.  

Explore the Darr College of Agriculture