Ken Hellevang, North Dakota State University (NDSU) professor and Extension engineer, will retire May 31. Hellevang, a native of Eden, South Dakota, completed his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural engineering at South Dakota State University (SDSU) and his Ph.D. in engineering from NDSU.

He was a research assistant, teaching assistant and an instructor at SDSU, and then worked as an engineer trainee for Great Plains Supply Company before starting his current journey with NDSU in 1980.

Hellevang provided education and technical assistance in grain drying and storage, energy-efficient structures, indoor environmental engineering related to moisture and mold, and flood preparation and recovery for farmers, citizens, agribusinesses and professionals across the U.S. and internationally. Along with colleague Tom Scherer, Hellevang developed the video “How to Prevent Rain Water From Entering Your Basement,” which has over 865,000 views on YouTube.

He has been recognized by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers with the Grade of Fellow which is bestowed on 0.2% of its members, the Professional Engineer of the Year award, which is the highest award given to a licensed professional engineer, the Sukup Global Food Security Award in recognition of his outstanding application of engineering in the storage and handling of grains, oilseeds, and other food products, and the Gunlogson Countryside Engineering Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to engineering practices and professional accomplishments impacting the countryside.

“Ken has made a significant contribution to the Extension publications and videos that are used by people worldwide,” says Mohamed Khan, assistant director and program leader for agriculture and natural resources programs at NDSU. “His work has helped many people and organizations prepare for and recover from floods, properly dry and store their grain to maintain quality, and more.”

He says that it has been a fulfilling career enabling him to use his engineering training and interest in agriculture and buildings to help people and the agricultural industry.

Hellevang will be honored at a farewell reception on May 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. in Ladd Hall 114 on the NDSU campus.

NDSU Agriculture Communication – May 7, 2024

Source: Mohamed Khan, 701-231-7867, mohamed.khan@ndsu.edu

Contact: Ken Hellevang, 701-231-7243, kenneth.hellevang@ndsu.edu

Editor: Elizabeth Cronin, 701-231-7006, elizabeth.cronin@ndsu.edu