Dr. Jose Toledo named vice president for Research and Economic Development, director of 1890 Land-Grant Programs

Above: A student researcher gently works with a honeycomb. Central State University's research initiatives will reach new heights under Jose Toledo, Ph.D., its new vice president for Research and Economic Development and director of 1890 Land-Grant Programs.

Central State University is pleased to announce the selection of Jose Ulises Toledo, Ph.D., as the vice president for Research and Economic Development and director of 1890 Land-Grant Programs, effective August 1, 2024. 

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Toledo brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Central State University, having most recently served as the vice chancellor for Research at the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center. In this role, he provided strategic leadership in agricultural research, intellectual property advancement, technology transfer, and international research collaborations. 

Toledo's research interests span food science, nutrition, plant genomics, technology adoption, innovation networks, artificial intelligence, and the economic impact of innovations. 

Throughout his career, Toledo has been actively involved in higher education administration and research. Before his tenure at Southern University, he held various administrative positions at West Virginia State University, including vice president for Research, Public Service, and dean and director of Land-Grant Programs. His contributions were instrumental in enhancing research initiatives and fostering community partnerships to drive economic development through education and innovation. 

Toledo is deeply engaged in the academic community, serving on several university committees and holding leadership roles in prominent professional organizations such as the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities (APLU), 1890 Association of Research Directors (ARD), and National Council for Research Administrators (NCURA). He serves as treasurer of the 1890 Association of Research Directors, showing his commitment to advancing research agendas within the 1890 Land-Grant Universities. 

"We are pleased to welcome Dr. Jose Toledo to Central State University," said President Dr. Morakinyo A.O. Kuti, the 10th President of Central State University, who assumed his role on July 1. Prior to being named President, Kuti served in the role Toledo now holds.   

"Dr. Toledo's extensive background in research administration, coupled with his dedication to promoting economic development through education and innovation, makes him an invaluable addition to our leadership team," Kuti said.  

Toledo earned his bachelor's degree in Agronomy and Food Engineering from Universidad Autónoma Chapingo, Mexico. He continued his education at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, where he earned dual master's degrees in Plant Biotechnology and Business Administration. He then earned a doctoral degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences with a minor in Strategic Business Management. 

In his new role at Central State University, Toledo will oversee the University's research initiatives, foster partnerships to enhance economic development, and lead the 1890 Land-Grant Programs, continuing his legacy of promoting impactful research and innovation. 

To learn more about 1890 Land-Grant Institutions, visit nifa.usda.gov/grants/about-programs/program-operational-areas/1890-land-grant-institutions-programs. To learn more about Central State University’s Land-Grant mission, visit centralstate.edu/about-csu/1890-land-grant-university.