College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources announces 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient

North Dakota State University’s College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources is proud to announce Marcia P. McMullen as the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. McMullen, Emeritus Professor of plant pathology, is nationally recognized for her decades of leadership in cereal disease management and her outstanding contributions to North Dakota agriculture. She earned her doctorate in plant pathology from NDSU.

During her nearly 30-year career as NDSU’s Extension Plant Pathologist and IPM Coordinator, McMullen delivered research-driven guidance that strengthened wheat and barley production statewide. Her work was pivotal during the Fusarium head blight epidemics of the 1990s and early 2000s, when she coordinated research, identified effective fungicide strategies and helped stabilize grain production across the northern Plains.

A respected national leader, McMullen played a key role in shaping the U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative and served on its Executive Committee for multiple years. Her applied research, extension education and leadership have influenced cereal disease management practices across the country.

McMullen was also the first female faculty member in the NDSU College of Agriculture promoted to full professor. Her accomplishments have earned numerous honors, including the National Association of Wheat Growers Excellence in Extension Award, the APS Excellence in Extension Award and induction into the North Dakota Agriculture Hall of Fame.

Even in retirement, McMullen continues to support scientific advancement and agriculture through manuscript editing, committee service and community volunteerism.

The College formally recognized McMullen at the Ag Week Banquet in March.