Paul Stoddard, a senior lecturer in the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, will retire after more than 25 years of service, according to an April 14 announcement. Stoddard is set to give his last public lecture on April 21 at Foellinger Auditorium, with options for both in-person attendance and live-streaming provided by the Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning.
Stoddard’s retirement marks the end of a notable career that has impacted thousands of students through his courses on agricultural marketing, commodity futures and options, food and agribusiness management, and negotiations. His approach to teaching—characterized by engaging lessons and personal connections with students—has made him well known across campus. Sarah Low, head of the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics (ACE), said, “A beloved teacher, mentor, and colleague, Paul has challenged generations of students to think critically, lead with integrity, and pursue meaningful work. His impact reaches far beyond the classroom, and his legacy lives on in the countless students he has inspired.”
Stoddard joined as a full-time faculty member in 2012 following a long career outside academia that included roles in agricultural real estate, commodity trading, farm management, agricultural lending—and serving as Chief Appraiser at Farm Credit Illinois. He is recognized for being listed among teachers ranked as excellent by their students for 46 consecutive semesters. He also received several awards including the Campus Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching (2020), Karl E. Gardner Outstanding Undergraduate Adviser Award (2020), North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Educator Award (2014), College of ACES teaching associate award (2014), as well as Earl and Mildred Hughes Teaching Enhancement Awards (2014 & 2022).
The College where Stoddard taught allocates $3.8 million annually in scholarships to support its student body according to its official website. The college also promotes social well-being through nutrition programs and community development via extension services according to its official website. It utilizes resources such as the Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station on campus for research according to its official website, maintains a freshman retention rate of 96% alongside a four-year graduation rate of 78% according to its official website, aims to advance knowledge globally across agriculture-related fields according to its official website, and provides over 400 study abroad opportunities each year according to its official website.
Reflecting on his time at Illinois ahead of retirement Stoddard said: “As I retire my main emotion is gratitude,” adding: “I am grateful to all the students over the years who so openly shared their thoughts questions stories and dreams at such a critical time in their intellectual and personal development… To all of them I offer a heartfelt ‘thank you’ and ‘stay curious!’”
Those interested can register or tune into Stoddard’s final lecture online April 21.
