New NDSU ag research lab named for pioneering plant pathologist and football team founder

FARGO, N.D. — North Dakota State University has announced its new agricultural research laboratory will be named the Bolley Agricultural Laboratory after Henry L. Bolley, was one of the first faculty members at North Dakota Agricultural College, now NDSU.

The State Board of Higher Education approved the name last month. The North Dakota Legislature in its 2023 session appropriated $97 million for the construction of the lab, and that has been matched with $3.6 million in philanthropic funds.

The Bolley Agricultural Laboratory will be one of the largest capital construction projects in NDSU history and will house a variety of agricultural research programs including plant pathology, plant breeding, weed science, agronomy, soil science and horticulture.

Courtesy / NDSU

Along with being a pioneer in the North Dakota Agricultural College, Bolley was also founder and coach of the university’s football team, and the first plant pathologist at the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station.

Born in Indiana and educated at Purdue University, Bolley served as the state seed commissioner from 1909 to 1929. He wrote and advocated for the North Dakota Pure Seed and Weed Law and developed the state’s Certified Seed program and an herbarium at the university. One of his proudest scientific contributions is cited as the link between barberry bushes and rust spores contaminating wheat crops, which emphasized the importance of breeding and selecting cereals for rust resistance. He taught at NDAC from 1890 to 1945 and received honorary doctorates from Purdue University and NDAC in recognition of his years of research and service.

The Bolley Agricultural Laboratory will be located on the western edge of NDSU’s campus and will overlook agricultural plots immediately adjacent to campus. It will replace many of the current field lab facilities constructed decades ago, providing NDSU scientists with the space, equipment and technology to drive innovation in several key areas related to the state’s agricultural industry and biggest economic sector. Construction is anticipated to begin in the summer of 2024.