Soybean Pathogen Researcher John Rupe Retires After 41 Years With UADA
By University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture – Dec. 3, 2025
RUPE TO RETIRE — John Rupe, University Professor in the department of entomology and plant pathology, gives an Arkansas soybean pathology update in 2019. Rupe retires at the end of December after 41 years with the University of Arkansas System. (U of A System Division of Agriculture photo)
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — As a plant pathologist, John Rupe became an internationally recognized expert in diseases that affect soybeans, Arkansas’ top commodity crop in cash receipts.
Rupe, a University Professor in the department of entomology and plant pathology, retires at the end of December after 41 years of service to the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture and the University of Arkansas. Rupe has a split appointment with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, which is the Division of Agriculture’s research arm, and the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences.
A retirement celebration honoring Rupe will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec.10, in room 217 of the new Mullins Library Event Space, 365 N. McIlroy Ave., in Fayetteville. The room is on the southeast corner of the building. A brief presentation will begin at 2:30 p.m.
“He is widely respected for his thorough knowledge of diseases affecting soybeans, one of the most globally important crops,” said Ken Korth, head of the department of entomology and plant pathology. “Rupe’s research has had an important impact on the development of superior soybean varieties, which contribute to enhanced food security.”
Korth said Rupe pioneered work on soybean sudden death syndrome, a soilborne fungal disease that is one of the most destructive pathogens in North American soybeans.
In addition to his research, Rupe served regionally and nationally in numerous leadership roles that resulted in 2016 to being named a Fellow of the American Phytopathological Society, one of the discipline’s highest honors.
Rupe is also recognized on the University of Arkansas campus for his teaching and leadership, having served as chair of the Campus Faculty in 2014-15 and being named a University Professor in 2019 for exemplary service to his profession, the institution and the public. Rupe received bachelor’s degrees from Goshen College in Indiana and Colorado State University, followed by his master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky.
“He is an awesome teacher and has passed along the fundamentals of plant pathology and disease control to countless students over his years at the University of Arkansas,” Korth said. “John exemplifies success in all areas of the land-grant mission, and he has never hesitated to step up and serve students, our department or his discipline. He is a valued colleague, mentor and friend.”
Retirement celebration parking
For Rupe’s retirement celebration on Dec. 10, metered parking will be available in the Garland Avenue Garage or Stadium Drive Garage near the Arkansas Union. For additional parking information, email parking@uark.edu or call (479) 575-7275.
To learn more about the Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website. Follow us on 𝕏 at @ArkAgResearch, subscribe to the Food, Farms and Forests podcast and sign up for our monthly newsletter, the Arkansas Agricultural Research Report. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. Follow us on 𝕏 at @AgInArk. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
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