Bradford Knapp
Lubbock, Lubbock County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(1870-1938) Known for his leadership in the field of agricultural education, Bradford Knapp served as first director of the U.S. Cooperative Extension Service and helped plan and carry out World War I overseas food production for the Agriculture Department. He later served as Dean of Agriculture at the University of Arkansas (1920-23), and as the president of the universities now known as Oklahoma State (1923-28), Auburn (1928-32), and Texas Tech (1932-38). Recorded - 1984
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Bradford Knapp (1870–1938) became a national leader in agricultural education, serving as the first director of the U.S. Cooperative Extension Service and helping organize overseas food production for the Agriculture Department during World War I. He went on to lead as dean of agriculture at Arkansas and as president of the institutions now known as Oklahoma State, Auburn, and — from 1932 until his death in 1938 — Texas Tech. His career carried the practical gospel of scientific farming from Washington to campuses across the country.
Why it matters
Extension work and land-grant colleges transformed American agriculture, and Knapp helped build the very machinery that brought new farming science to millions of rural families.
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Related people
- · Bradford Knapp
Related events
- · founding of the U.S. Cooperative Extension Service
- · World War I food production
Themes & tags
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