Ron Rosati, Ph.D.

RICA Vice Chancellor.

Dr. Ronald Rosati is an experienced academic leader, retiring in 2025 as Vice Chancellor at RICA, where he led its establishment and operations. He specializes in experiential learning, international development, conservation agriculture, and workforce development. Previously, he held leadership roles at Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, Southeast Missouri State, and Texas A&M-Kingsville. His expertise includes strategic planning, budget management, faculty development, and accreditation.

ABOUT ME

PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

Global leader with extensive experience in agriculture, higher education, and workforce development. Proven record of institution building, budget management, strategic planning, and aligning programs with industry and governmental priorities. Expertise in experiential learning models, conservation agriculture, agricultural mechanization, curriculum design, faculty development, enrollment growth, infrastructure development, and financial management. Demonstrated success in securing grants, and large-scale projects, and fostering innovation in academic and agricultural systems.

MISSION STATEMENT

Empowering future agricultural leaders through innovative education, hands-on experiences, and global collaboration. Strengthening agriculture to address critical challenges such as food security, environmental sustainability, and economic development.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Vice Chancellor, Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture

2019 - 2025

Spearheaded the establishment of a groundbreaking institution offering a Bachelor of Science in Conservation Agriculture.
Facilitated the development of a skills-based curriculum integrating experiential learning a entrepreneurship.
Managed a $120 million construction and operations budget. Oversaw the construction of 73 off-grid buildings on a 3,000-acre campus with approximately 350 residents.
Collaborated with Rwanda’s Ministries of Agriculture and Education to align programs with national priorities.
Facilitated partnerships and accreditation processes to secure the institution’s academic legitimacy.

Dean & CEO, Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture

2013 - 2019

Elevated NCTA to national prominence through innovative programs and industry partnerships.
Secured recognition as Nebraska’s top two-year college for graduate earnings by College Scorecard.
Reversed a $664,000 annual deficit, achieving a $302,000 surplus through strategic budgeting.
Implemented online courses, increasing accessibility. Enrolled the first international students.
Raised over $2 million through capital campaigns and land acquisition.

Provost, Southeast Missouri State University

2010 - 2013

Directed academic and operational strategies for a 6,000-student university with four campuses.
Oversaw policy development, faculty recruitment, and strategic initiatives to enhance institutional reputation.

Provost & Officer-in-Charge, Alfred State College, SUNY

2006 - 2010

Managed a $27 million budget and initiated policies fostering faculty development and student success.
Championed innovative workforce development programs tailored to industry needs.

Professor and Dean, College of Agriculture, Texas A&M University, Kingsville

1996 - 2006

Established the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management and developed pioneering degree programs.
Secured Texas A&M – Kingsville’s first independent PhD program in agriculture.

Chief-of-Party USAID Indonesia, Fisheries R&D Project

Directed the implementation of fisheries research and development initiatives to enhance sustainable practices.
Collaborated with local governments, NGOs, and industry leaders to foster sustainable aquaculture techniques.

Curriculum Specialist, Farm Mechanization, World Bank Indonesia

Developed and implemented farm mechanization curricula to support workforce development.
Aligned educational strategies with local industry needs to enhance productivity and efficiency in agriculture.

LEADERSHIP & impact

Strategic Leadership -Successfully implemented five-year strategic plans aligned with stakeholder priorities. Improved institutional effectiveness through data-driven assessments and transparent governance. Recruited and developed diverse teams, fostering equity and professional growth. Reversed a deteriorating campus culture to create an environment of trust and collaboration between administration and faculty.
Academic Program Development - Designed curricula emphasizing practical, entrepreneurial, and leadership skills at RICA and NCTA, Introduced a six-month internship model at RICA for hands-on industry experience, Launched new programs in ranch management and conservation agriculture tailored to regional needs.

Achievements & Awards.

Oversaw RICA’s $87 million construction project, including agricultural and energy facilities.
Integrated renewable energy systems and sustainable water management on campus.
Developed teaching farms at NCTA to enhance experiential learning opportunities.
Secured a 19% increase in state appropriations for NCTA.
Built partnerships with international universities and government agencies to enhance academic offerings.
Collaborated with the Howard G. Buffett Foundation for RICA’s funding and operations.

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS.

Ph.D. in Agricultural Education, Iowa State University, USA, 1984
M.A.T in Agricultural Education, Cornell University, USA, 1981
Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Agricultural Education, Cornell University, USA, 1980
Associate of Applied Science in Agronomy, SUNY Farmingdale, USA, 1978