By Scout Nelson
North Dakota State University College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources has named Marcia P. McMullen as the recipient of the 2026 Distinguished Alumni Award. McMullen is nationally recognized for her long career supporting agriculture through plant disease research, extension education, and crop management leadership.
McMullen earned her doctorate in plant pathology from NDSU and later served nearly 30 years as the university’s Extension Plant Pathologist and Integrated Pest Management Coordinator. During her career, she focused on helping farmers improve wheat and barley production while reducing the impact of crop diseases across North Dakota and the northern Plains.
Her work became especially important during the Fusarium head blight outbreaks of the 1990s and early 2000s. McMullen helped coordinate research efforts, supported the development of effective fungicide management strategies, and worked closely with producers to protect grain production during difficult growing seasons. Her efforts helped strengthen crop management practices and improve disease control methods used by farmers today.
McMullen also played an important role in national agriculture leadership. She helped guide the U.S. Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative and served on the organization’s Executive Committee for several years. Her research and educational programs influenced cereal disease management practices across the United States.
In addition to her research accomplishments, McMullen became the first female faculty member in the NDSU College of Agriculture promoted to full professor. Her career achievements earned multiple honors, including the National Association of Wheat Growers Excellence in Extension Award, the APS Excellence in Extension Award, and induction into the North Dakota Agriculture Hall of Fame.
Even after retirement, McMullen continues supporting agriculture and science through volunteer work, committee service, and manuscript editing.
NDSU formally recognized her achievements during the Ag Week Banquet held in March, celebrating her lasting impact on agriculture, research, and education in North Dakota and beyond.
Photo Credit: north-dakota-state-university
Categories: North Dakota, Crops, Wheat, Education