Logan Britton: Winner of the Kansas Board of Regents 2025 Faculty of the Year

Dr. Logan Britton was recognized by the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) as a 2025 Faculty of the Year recipient for his remarkable innovative work in agricultural economics and his commitment to student mentorship.

As a Kansas native, being recognized by the KBOR felt truly rewarding because of how much he values education. Britton mentions how becoming a first-generation college student was an impactful part of his journey to success. As he discusses his career development, he refers to influential mentors who helped him get to where he is today.

“Education has changed my life. Most people will see the activities I do, but they don’t really see the story behind my success. I was able to get into agriculture because I had really good agricultural education instructors and FFA advisors. I am a first-generation college student, and it is comforting to see more first-gen students chase their educational and career goals with grit and determination. So receiving the award means a lot because I am a product of the land-grant system, and K-State is home to me.

“I was trained by excellent faculty here in the College of Agriculture and taught to pay it forward. I have had so many instructors like Dr. Flinchbaugh, Dr. Barkley, and the list can go on, but they taught me time and time again to invest in others. Hopefully, I am paying their efforts forward with my students as well as my colleagues through my research.”

Britton is an associate professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at Kansas State University. In the classroom, he takes a more personal approach to teaching his students. Each year, he tells his students that he will put effort into helping them become well-rounded individuals.

“In terms of teaching, I think I always approach my classes with the thought of, “What is the value proposition? How can I add value to my students? I say if I talk for a full lecture period, I have failed as a teacher. My teaching philosophy, and I have shared this every single syllabus day in all of my undergraduate classes, is that I want them to be a better person, a better professional and a better citizen. My goal as a professor is for my students to take the skills that I have taught and apply those in their lives. I hope students know that I care about them.”

A majority of Britton’s research focuses on consumer behavior and food and technology in supply chains. His work includes engaging with faculty from multiple disciplines to contribute to collaborative projects.

“In terms of research, I try to have a multidisciplinary approach. I am very thankful for colleagues in food science, horticulture and other departments who are willing to let me be a part of those projects and learn more about the global food system. I am very grateful for those colleagues who took a chance on me. It’s really fun to continue having an impact and networking camaraderie if we have done good work and they want to continue doing work with me.”

Britton shares how difficult it can be to manage multiple projects early in your career as faculty. His advice is that opportunities will always present themselves and not every project will be beneficial to success. He believes that it is important to have a healthy work-life balance and dedicate time and energy toward the people supporting you.

“Learn the power of ‘no’ and be protective of your time. Always ask yourself if it will contribute positively to your department, students or the institution’s mission. Other opportunities will come throughout your career.”

Congratulations to Dr. Logan Britton on his award and early career success. We look forward to his continued work at K-State and mentorship of students as he pays it forward for years to come.