Thompson honored as inaugural Johansen-Thompson Endowed Professor in Potato Breeding

Susie Thompson, NDSU Department of Plant Sciences professor and potato breed, has been honored as the inaugural Johansen-Thompson Endowed Professor in Potato Breeding. This prestigious $1.5 million endowment, supported by potato growers in North Dakota and Minnesota, the North Dakota Challenge Grant and regional potato advocates, is a milestone for NDSU’s agricultural research.

The endowment pays tribute to two of NDSU’s most influential potato breeders: Robert Johansen, who dedicated over 40 years to potato breeding at NDSU, and Susie Thompson, who has led the program since 2001. The funds generated by this endowment will help strengthen research, teaching and the overall impact of NDSU’s potato breeding program.

The Northern Plains rank as the third-largest potato-producing region in the United States, producing 2.6 billion pounds annually, valued at $500 million. With this significant role in agriculture, a robust potato breeding program is vital to advancing research, improving production and supporting both local and national markets.

Thompson’s contributions have been groundbreaking. Her Dakota Russet potato variety was accepted by McDonald’s in 2022 as a top-tier option for their McFry products — the first variety approved since 2016. This accomplishment further highlighted the importance of NDSU’s potato breeding efforts and inspired the creation of the endowment.

The Johansen-Thompson Endowed Professorship was officially awarded to Susie Thompson during NDSU’s 50th Harvest Bowl celebration on Nov. 15, 2024.