Fred E. Robbins

1883 – 1962
Associate Professor of Crop Production
Enriched the student experience

Made Significant Educational Impact

Agronomy Legend Fred E. “Robbie” Robbins first entered education at the elementary level, then chose crop production at the university level after completing his own college studies.

He spent 41 years on staff at Purdue University, where he taught freshman crop production, an advanced course in commercial grain quality, and was a leader in the winter short course program.

He was especially interested in student involvement, founding Ceres, the agronomy honorary society; coaching the Purdue Inter-Collegiate Crop Judging Teams for several years; and directing orchestra, glee club and sports programs for students. He also worked with area 4-H clubs.

Robbins sponsored crop judging schools and developed a training program for grain elevator operators. He the first licensed soybean inspector in the State of Indiana, and the 12th in the U.S.
 
He held memberships in the American Society of Agronomy and National Association of Chief Grain Inspectors.

Education
1912                B.S., Purdue University
1917                M.S., Purdue University

Purdue Years
1913 – 1953

Career Highlights
1902 – 1903    Elementary teacher, State of Washington
1903 – 1907    Court Reporter, Portland, Indiana
1912 - 1913     Field Assistant, Bureau of Plant Industry
1913 - 1953     Instructor, then Associate Professor of Agronomy, Purdue University