In December 2025, Peter G. McCornick, Ph.D. will step down from his role of executive director of the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute and retire from the University of Nebraska after nearly a decade of leading the institute. DWFI extends its deepest appreciation for McCornick’s leadership and service. During his tenure, he has worked with colleagues and partners to advance the institute’s mission and strengthen its global role in addressing water and food security.
Since joining DWFI, Dr. McCornick’s has guided the institute to new heights, solidifying its position as a global thought leader, convener and contributor in sustainable water management for agriculture. Key accomplishments and milestones during this decade include:
- Bringing Nebraska’s Leadership to the Global Stage: In collaboration with NU colleagues and partners, DWFI has leveraged Nebraska’s expertise in agriculture and water management to develop strong collaborations at the state, national and international level. McCornick cultivated international partnerships with the World Water Council, the Nature Conservancy and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI). He also played a foundational role in the FAO Global Framework on Water Scarcity in Agriculture (WASAG), serving on its steering committee since its inception. DWFI's active participation in prestigious international forums such as World Water Week, the Africa Food Systems Forum, the World Meteorological Organization's Drought Resilience +10 Conference, and the World Food Prize Borlaug Dialogue highlights the role of DWFI, the university and Nebraska in advancing dialogue and solutions for water and food security.
- Expanded Research Footprint: Under McCornick’s stewardship, DWFI's research portfolio broadened, with advancements and impacts in high-productivity commercial agriculture; smallholder agricultural water management; and the connections between environmental and human health. This includes the continuing development and application of decision-support tools for producers in Nebraska and across the region. Key initiatives launched during his tenure included the USAID-funded Feed the Future Lab and a $3.5 million Gates Foundation grant to expand "Irrigation as a Service" in sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, McCornick supported the formation of the Water, Climate and Health Program (WCHP) in 2020, in a joint effort by UNMC’s College of Public Health, DWFI, and UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Supported by a $5 million gift from the Claire M. Hubbard Foundation, WCHP addresses public health challenges related to water and climate in Nebraska and globally, leveraging the Nebraska Water Center's 60-year history in water quality.
- A Global Platform for Knowledge Exchange: The Water for Food Global Conference has continued to develop as an international forum for sharing ideas on feeding a growing planet while conserving natural resources. Since its inception in 2009, the conference has significantly expanded its reach, attracting participation from industries, agencies, NGOs, and academic institutions worldwide. Alongside state partners, DWFI has also hosted delegations from around the world, showcasing Nebraska's expertise in irrigated agriculture, and governance and management of water resources.
- Cultivating Future Leaders: McCornick has emphasized education and capacity building, with DWFI supporting students and faculty fellows across all four campuses of the University of Nebraska system. These connections strengthen the institute’s interdisciplinary research and outreach, linking its global mission with the University’s expertise.
- Strategic future planning: McCornick led a collaborative strategic planning process, that produced a 5-year strategic direction, reinforcing DWFI’s commitment to impactful research and outreach and supporting the next generation of water and food security leaders.
As Dr. McCornick concludes his tenure, the Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute extends its gratitude for his leadership and many contributions. His guidance and efforts have positioned DWFI and the university to continue advancing solutions for water and food security. We wish him the very best in his future endeavors.