NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY - FARGO, ND
2006 Alumni Achievement Award Recipient -Dr. Raymond R. AllmarasB.S. 1952, Social Science
Ray Allmaras is a self proclaimed “farm kid” who grew up gaining an interest in machines, soil, and plants. He spent his first eight years of school in a one-room school house in New Rockford, ND and had a strong ambition to go to college. Dr. Allmaras chose NDSU because of the engineering and agricultural programs. While at NDSU, he became involved in a number of honorary agricultural and scholastic organizations including Alpha Zeta, Gamma Sigma Delta, and Phi Kappa Phi. Dr. Allmaras’ experience at NDSU sparked his curiosity in soil and water conservation. Upon receiving his B.S. degree at NDSU in 1952, Dr. Allmaras continued to study at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and earned his M.S degree. He received his PhD from Iowa State University. He also served in the Army during the Korean conflict in the 1950s. Today, Dr. Allmaras considers Roseville, MN, his home but is quick to say, “I am a North Dakotan!”
Dr. Allmaras was a distinguished Professor of Soil Science at many universities including the University of Minnesota-Morris, Oregon State University, and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. He was also a Supervisory Research Soil Scientist throughout his teaching career. He worked and supported research and education programs in Africa, Eastern and Western Europe, Canada, and Australia, but has never strayed far from his roots, visiting New Rockford several times a year to consult and advise crop producers.
Dr. Allmaras is a leading authority on statistical analysis of field data concerning soil, water, and plants. He is actively involved in seven professional societies. Dr. Allamaras has continued his ties with NDSU by consulting and speaking to the agriculture faculty and students. As the editor of six scientific society journals, a history of serving on more than 25 program review teams for the United States Department of Agriculture, and an accomplished 210 research articles published, Dr. Allmaras is easily named an outstanding researcher and educator. Dr. Allmaras is truly one of the most respected scientists dealing with soil and water management worldwide.
Dr. Allmaras actively supports organizations that provide food for the needy. He regularly volunteers his time and resources to the Second Harvest Food Bank. He also volunteers his efforts to a variety of service organizations, including his church and Kiwanis. Dr. Allmaras has been official retired since 2001 but continues to contribute to his profession.