George Norton honored with emeritus status

George Norton, professor of agricultural and applied economics in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of professor emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The emeritus title may be conferred on retired professors, associate professors, and administrative officers who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands in recognition of exemplary service to the university. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive a copy of the resolution and a certificate of appreciation.

A member of the Virginia Tech community since 1980, Norton made significant contributions to agriculture in Virginia, the United States, and many developing countries through evaluating impacts of agricultural research, implementing integrated pest management programs, and contributing to agricultural development more broadly.

In his career, Norton was the principal or co-principal investigator on research grants totaling more than $70 million. He authored or co-authored more than 140 peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and book chapters. He was an active member in several professional organizations, including the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association, the International Association of Agricultural Economists, Southern Agricultural Economics Association, and the Council on Food, Agricultural, and Resource Economics.

Norton has received many professional honors and awards, earning the distinction of Fellow of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association in 2018 and receiving the Virginia Tech Alumni Award for Excellence in Graduate Academic Advising in 2011 and the Alumni Award for Excellence in International Outreach and Research in 2001.

In the classroom, Norton taught undergraduate and graduate courses in the economics of international agricultural development and trade, production, and farm management to more than 2,500 students over 40 years. He served as the advisor or co-advisor for 22 doctoral dissertations, 62 master's degree theses, and as a committee member to numerous other graduate students. He also guided 40 undergraduate research interns, helping students prepare for successful careers in academia, government, and the private sector.

Norton received his bachelor's degree from Cornell University and a master's degree and Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota.