Ronald L. Phillips

Ronald L. Phillips January 1, 1940 - August 25, 2023 It is with great sadness that the family of Ronald L. Phillips announce his passing on August 25, 2023. He was known as a loving and caring husband, father, mentor and friend whose life's mission was to improve agricultural production and alleviate hunger. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years Judy Phillips, his son Brett Phillips (Diane), daughter Angela Phillips, and three grandchildren Leah (25), Jacob (22) and Jean-Luc (7). Ron was preceded in death by his parents Philemon and Louise, and his brother Keith. He was born in 1940 on a farm in Huntington County, Indiana, and moved to Crawfordsville, Indiana, when he was 7. He earned his B.S. and M.S. degree from Purdue University and a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota, completing his postdoctoral training at Cornell University. In 1967, he joined the faculty of the Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics at the University of Minnesota and was there 42 years, retiring at age 70 as a Regents Professor, first McKnight Presidential Chair in Genomics, and Director of the Center for Microbial and Plant Genomics. He has published over 150 research papers, 70 chapters, 350 abstracts and 6 edited books. Research areas have included the molecular genetics of crop species, cell and tissue culture, gene mapping and genomics. He made significant improvements in protein quality, seed shattering resistance and other important traits. He is on the "Wall of Discovery" at the University of Minnesota for the "first regeneration of complete corn plants from cells", a groundbreaking discovery that led to the development of genetically engineered crops. During his 42 years on the University of Minnesota faculty, Ron mentored 55 graduate students and over 20 postdoctoral scientists. He considered the interaction with his students as his most important contribution and cherished their friendship. Ron credits the extraordinary efforts of the students and technicians for the reputation enjoyed by the Phillips' lab. Ron was elected to the National Academy of Sciences in 1991. "Throughout his career, Dr. Phillips has coupled the techniques of plant genetics and molecular biology to enhance the understanding of basic biology of cereal crops and to improve these species by innovative methods" (NAS, 1991). At the inauguration, he signed the same book as Albert Einstein. From 1996 to 1998, Ron was selected by Congress as Chief Scientist of the United States Department of Agriculture. As Chief Scientist, he was in charge of the National Research Initiative Competitive Grants Program. He also chaired the White House committee that wrote the Plant Genome Research Program requested by Congress. In 2007, Ron was presented the Wolf Prize, which honors those who have "contributed to society through groundbreaking research for mankind", by the President of Israel at the Knesset. Ron also served on the selection committee for The World Food Prize, established by Dr. Norman Borlaug, and as faculty of the World Food Prize Global Youth Institute for several years where he fostered the involvement of Minnesota youth in this life-changing program. In addition, Ron was the recipient of the University of Minnesota's Distinguished Career Award, Crop Science Research Award, Medal for Science from the University of Bologna (Italy) and the University of Minnesota's Siehl Prize, "recognizing individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the production of food and alleviation of hunger." Ron served on the Program Advisory Committee of the Palm Oil Research Institute of Malaysia for ten years, the Scientific Advisory Board of the Danforth Plant Science Center, the Board of Trustees of the International Rice Research Institute, serving as Chair of the Program Committee from 2005-2009, and as a Fellow of the Noble Foundation. He was elected a Fellow of the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America (and President), the American Association for the Advancement of Science as well as Chair of the Council of Scientific Presidents and founding member and Director of the Plant Molecular Genetics Institute. Ron was honored to have the Hayes/Phillips Lecture named after him, to give keynote speeches at places such as the United Nations in Vienna, Austria, to be invited to present seminars or serve on advisory committees in over 30 countries, and to receive an Honorary doctorate from Purdue University. He was also the recipient of the Purdue Agriculture Distinguished Alumni Award as well as the R. Emerson Lifetime Maize Genetics Award, presented in 2021. When Ron wasn't traveling with Judy, you would find him congregating with friends from Centennial United Methodist Church, spending time with his family in Houston or San Diego, or boating and fishing in Minnesota. Ron was an inspiration to his kids, Brett and Angie. He was a shoulder to lean on and the person they would turn to for advice, knowing he would always guide them in the right direction. His love for Judy was unwavering. Ron was dearly loved by all who knew him and will be greatly missed. Suggested Memorial Contributions (in lieu of flowers): Project AgGrad Ron was especially passionate about Project AgGrad. Initiated by Ron and funded by contributions made through the United Methodist Church, Project AgGrad brings students from developing countries to the University of Minnesota to earn their graduate degree and then return home to conduct research and train others in agricultural production. The hope is that this multiplier effect will help to alleviate hunger. Project AgGrad Donation Link Contributions to the program can also be sent to the Minnesota Conference office (122 W. Franklin Ave, Suite 400, Minneapolis, MN 55404) with "Project Ag-Grad 7005" written in the memo line. The Ron and Judy Phillips Plant Genetics Scholarship Fund Started in 2007 at the University of Minnesota by Ron and Judy Phillips, this fund provides funding for graduate fellowships in the Department of Agronomy in the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. This fund, to be matched by the 21st Century Graduate Fellowship Endowment, will support both the Ron and Judy Phillips Plant Genetics Fellowship and the Project AgGrad Fund. Ron and Judy Phillips Plant Genetics Scholarship Fund Donation Link Memorial Service will be held on Friday, September 8th at 11:00 A.M. at Centennial United Methodist Church; 1524 County Road C2 West, Roseville, MN. Luncheon to follow the service.

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Ronald L. Phillips

January 1, 1940 - August 25, 2023

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