MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Announces 2026 ANR Award Recipients
Print
EmailThe College of Agriculture and Natural Resources recognized leaders in agriculture and natural resources for their accomplishments and service at the 2026 ANR Awards ceremony.
EAST LANSING, Mich. — On Friday, February 27, the Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) hosted the ANR Awards program. This event recognizes leaders in agriculture and natural resources for their distinguished accomplishments and service.
“Each of our ten 2026 ANR Award honorees is a proud reflection of the opportunities created here, bringing distinction to the entire CANR community and elevating the college’s status as leading global institution," said CANR Dean and Associate Provost Matt Daum. “Each of our award recipients has a unique story, yet they are united by a shared commitment to service — the same call that has guided Spartans for generations and fuels our collective pursuit of the common good.”
The 2026 ANR Awards featured the presentation of the Dean’s Pinnacle of Excellence Awards and the CANR Alumni Association Awards. A complete list of the 2026 award winners and detailed biographies about each recipient can be found here.
CANR DEAN'S PINNACLE OF EXCELLENCE AWARD
CANR’s highest honor, this award celebrates individuals who have reached the pinnacle of achievement in their field while making transformative contributions to the college, its students and faculty and society. Created in 2023, the award recognizes distinguished leadership, service, philanthropy and global impact.
2026 recipients:
Charles “Chuck” and Jacqueline “Jackie” Frasier – The Frasiers have made a transformative impact on MSU and CANR through decades of leadership, service and philanthropy. A 1970 graduate of the School of Packaging, Chuck built a distinguished 50‑year career in the global packaging industry as an engineer, entrepreneur and founder of two successful crating and logistics companies. Jackie has embraced MSU as her adopted alma mater, contributing enthusiastically to student success and program excellence. Together, their generosity and vision have strengthened the School of Packaging, elevated opportunities for students and faculty, enhanced facilities and advanced the college’s mission.
CANR ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARDS
The CANR Outstanding Alumni Award honors individuals who have distinguished themselves through extraordinary professional accomplishments and who exemplify the highest standards of integrity and character.
2026 recipients:
Nick Johnson, Ph.D. – Dr. Johnson is a dual CANR alumnus who earned his M.S. and Ph.D. from the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. He serves as Director and Research Ecologist at the U.S. Geological Survey’s Hammond Bay Biological Station, where he leads influential research on the ecology and behavior of native and invasive fishes, with a particular focus on the invasive sea lamprey.
Amy Sparks, Ph.D. – A graduate of the Department of Animal Science, Dr. Sparks serves as director of the In Vitro Fertilization and Andrology Laboratories at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, leading one of the nation’s top IVF programs and helping advance safer, more effective reproductive technologies. Her pioneering work in single embryo transfer that has improved patient outcomes across the country.
The Alumni Service Award award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated continuing outstanding volunteer service to MSU, the CANR or meritorious public service on a local, state, national or international level.
2026 recipient:
Bob Chipman – Earning his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture degree from MSU in 1981, Chipman built an impressive career as a landscape architect and product designer. Beyond his professional achievements, Chipman has been a deeply engaged advocate for MSU’s Landscape Architecture Program, co‑founding the nationally recognized SKETCH! Field Sessions, leading annual sketch walks on campus, mentoring students and helping establish the Landscape Architecture Innovation Fund.
The Culture, Access and Belonging Award recognizes alumni for significant achievements, commitment, service, mentorship and leadership contributions that celebrate and advance culture, access and belonging initiatives.
2026 recipient:
Vanessa García Polanco – Polanco earned her master’s degree from the Department of Community Sustainability in 2020 and has become a nationally recognized voice in food system equity through her work as Director of Government Relations for the National Young Farmers Coalition, where she co‑designs advocacy efforts that advance farmer‑centered, equity‑driven research, policy and programs.
The CANR Honorary Alumni Award recognizes an individual whose lasting contributions to the college enhance lives and support meaningful efforts that strengthen the well‑being of society
2026 recipient:
Patricia “Patti” Chipman – Chipman has spent decades strengthening the MSU Landscape Architecture Program through impactful philanthropy, beginning with the creation of the John and Patricia Chipman Endowed International Enrichment Program in 1986, which has enabled generations of students to expand their global perspectives and professional readiness. Her long-standing support has enriched both student and faculty development, built international learning opportunities and helped elevate the program into one of the top landscape architecture programs in the country.
The Distinguished Faculty Award recognizes faculty members who have brought distinction to the CANR through teaching, research and outreach and provide leadership that has helped others reach their potential for excellence.
2026 recipients:
Karen Renner, Ph.D. – Dr. Renner is a national leader in weed science, beginning with her early work as one of the first female weed scientists in the United States after joining MSU in 1986. Her research has advanced weed management strategies in Michigan field crops, contributed major insights into weed seedbanks and promoted sustainable practices through the integration of cover crops. Renner has also made a lasting impact as an educator by modernizing MSU’s core agronomy curriculum, teaching foundational and advanced courses and mentoring countless students through internship guidance and career preparation.
Edward “Ned” Walker, Ph.D. – Walker is an internationally recognized medical entomologist with joint appointments in the Department of Entomology and the Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, where his research has significantly advanced global understanding of insect‑vectored pathogens, particularly malaria. He has led major international research initiatives, supported the Roll Back Malaria effort in sub‑Saharan Africa and mentored both MSU students and African trainees whose careers now span academia and global health.
The CANR Outstanding Up and Coming Alumni Award recognizes individuals who have achieved significant professional success within 15 years of graduation and demonstrate high integrity and character, enhancing the prestige of CANR.
2026 recipient:
Megan Fritz, Ph.D. – Dr. Fritz earned her Ph.D. from the Department of Entomology in 2011 and has established herself as a rising leader in insect genetics and evolutionary biology as an associate professor at the University of Maryland. Her research addresses major human health and agricultural challenges, including the evolution of pesticide resistance and mosquito host‑selection behavior, and has attracted $4.7 million in competitive funding along with 28 peer‑reviewed publications and 90 scientific presentations.
Learn more about the ANR Awards here.
