About Us

HISTORY

Agriculture has been an important part in the history of the predecessor of Andrews University, Emmanuel Missionary College (EMC). Back in 1901, the site for EMC was selected for its excellent gardens, orchards and fields. Students grew and marketed food crops to gain practical knowledge as well as earn their tuition. The academic aspect of agriculture began around the time of World War I with the first graduates from the Department of Agriculture in 1918. In the years since the focus of the agriculture department has varied depending on the needs and trends in the field. Today our department is made up of two main program areas:  BS Animal Science and BS Sustainable Horticulture, which has three concentrations: International Agriculture Development; AgriBusiness; and Environmental and Landscape Design.

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Andrews University Department of Sustainable Agriculture is to transform our students as they are educated to:

Seek Knowledge
Learn current, sustainable, practices and procedures in their chosen area of agriculture based on a strong scientific foundation and hands-on experience

Affirm Faith
Realize our sacred, Christian obligation as the caretakers of this planet to preserve and improve it

Change the World
Put the knowledge and experience gained into practice to improve:

• the production and quality of life of animals and the humans who interact with them
• the quality of the soil and water in agriculture areas
• the beauty of living spaces with plants
• food security for those in need now and for all of us in the future

AGRICULTURE EDUCATION CENTER

The proposed Agriculture Education Center will be part of the Andrews University Department of Sustainable Agriculture and housed in the facilities of the former dairy. It will enable students to have immersive experiences in raising and caring for animals and plants. Every aspect of the proposed Center will emphasize responsible, sustainable agricultural practices reflecting our commitment to being good stewards of the environment the Creator has given us. To see the site design concept click here.