UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Edward “Ted” Jaenicke, professor of agricultural economics in the College of Agricultural Sciences, is the recipient of the 2026 Howard B. Palmer Faculty Mentoring Award.
The award honors and recognizes outstanding achievement by a faculty member with at least five years of service who effectively guides junior faculty. Howard Palmer was the senior associate dean of the Graduate School from 1984 to 1991.
Nominators said Jaenicke has a gift for mentoring junior faculty. They said he’s a great listener, empathizer and collaborator. He currently mentors two faculty members and has helped two others advance in their careers. Nominators said they rely on Jaenicke to help them navigate research, teaching and service. They noted he’s also a source for collaborative grants as they navigate funding sources.
“By co-advising graduate students with junior colleagues, he also models effective mentorship and creates a collaborative environment that builds confidence and capacity in early-career faculty,” a nominator said. “Jaenicke’s mentorship is remarkable for both its depth and breadth. He has guided me through four collaborative research projects and provided invaluable feedback at every key milestone in my tenure process, from second- and fourth-year reviews to preparation for promotion.”
Nominators said Jaenicke’s vision and leadership creates a vibrant, collegial research environment where junior faculty members can thrive. He’s helped secure more than $1 million in grants involving his faculty mentees.
As the longtime director of graduate studies, Jaenicke is also skilled in recruiting top graduate students. Nominators said he’s built a strong foundation for the graduate program and works with faculty to improve their mentorship of graduate students.
“He continues to play a central role in graduate recruitment, advising colleagues on funding strategies, and hosting annual gatherings at his home to build community among students and faculty,” a nominator said. “These efforts have not only enhanced the academic experience of our students but also created an inclusive and supportive environment for new faculty.”
Nominators said Jaenicke selflessly devotes his time to service as well, taking on roles such as Agricultural Economics Cluster Representative, member of Promotion & Tenure committees, and leader of the multidisciplinary initiatives such as the Institute for Sustainable Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences, while also finding leadership positions for the faculty he mentors.
“Jaenicke has this amazing skill to develop people,” a nominator said. “He gets to know each individual, and their strengths and what they can bring to the table. He truly inspires and develops anyone who is in his orbit, from junior faculty to peers.”