Agricultural Economics Professor Dr. Russell Brannon served in the UK Department of Agricultural Economics for 30 years. He participated in international projects in Thailand and Indonesia during his tenure and served as Director of UK’s Office of International Affairs.

Before joining the Department, Dr. Brannon worked in Ethiopia while at Oklahoma State University. During that trip, he met his wife, Janice, and discovered their shared love of international development. Brannon served as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps. He served in various positions in Washington D.C. while studying at George Washington University and worked with U.S. Agency for International Development in Thailand. Brannon worked in Argentina and Uruguay through the Ford Foundation during his doctoral program at the University of Wisconsin.

“Russ’ core values were integrity, dedication, persistence, diligence, commitment, dependability, compassion, caring and loyalty,” Janice Brannon said. “These traits, plus a lifelong love of learning, were passed on to him by his father Luther, himself the son of educators, who undoubtedly passed down a lifelong love of learning. This gift will honor who Russell was and it will encourage students to love learning and explore international agricultural development.”

To carry on the Brannon legacy, the Endowment for Promoting International Agricultural Awareness and Involvement: A Memorial to Russell H. Brannon and daughter Paula provides Agricultural Economics faculty, staff and students with resources to develop and foster international relationships, enhance research, create curriculum and encourage participation in extension and education abroad opportunities. 

Read the Full Story

Who May Apply.

The Brannon International Fund is designed to provide agricultural economics undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff with the resources to pursue opportunities to experience and explore the world by allowing them to travel and explore different countries, cultures, and people to develop and foster international relationships, enhance research, create curriculum, and encourage participation in extension and education abroad opportunities. 

Undergraduate and graduate students are able to expand worldviews and further develop an understanding of the cultural, economic, and political complexities of the world. The award will also provide the opportunity to gain a better understanding of different cultures, build relationships with people in other countries, and gain a deeper understanding of the global community. The experience will allow students to develop their skills in communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking, while providing them with an opportunity to explore their personal and professional interests.

Funding. 

Funds may be awarded between $1,000 and $4,000. Funds may be used, but are not limited to, cover expenses related to travel fees, room and board, attendance at international conferences and trainings, hosting expenses for international collaborations, research, study abroad support, curriculum development, and other costs, fees, and expenses to enhance the Department's international exposure. 

Get Started.

1. Set up an appointment with any AEC faculty member to discuss your plans. This person will be your faculty mentor. 

2. Look (and apply) for other funding sources for your experience.

3. Work with your faculty mentor to submit the best application you can. Full consideration will be given to applications submitted by the dates below. 

Deadlines.

Spring trips: November 20th

Summer trips: February 20th

Fall trips: March 20