Iowa State University and the American Farm School have received approval from the Ministry of Education in Greece to establish and operate a University Legal Entity (U.L.E.) under the framework of Law 5094/2024, paving the way for the creation of a new non-state University based in Thessaloniki.

The new institution, AFS University of Science and Technology – University Legal Entity (AFSU-U.L.E.), represents a strategic partnership between the American Farm School and Iowa State University of Science and Technology, which is ranked 4th in the United States, and 7th globally, among the world’s leading universities of agriculture and forestry.

The establishment of AFSU-U.L.E. marks a significant milestone for both Institutions and for higher education in Greece. It will strengthen the internationalization of academic studies while creating new opportunities for education, research, and innovation. The University will leverage the American Farm School’s extensive facilities in Thessaloniki, including its state-of-the-art laboratories, Educational Farm, and broad international network of academic and industry partnerships developed over more than a century.

AFSU-U.L.E. will initially comprise three schools:

• Perrotis School of Sciences, offering four-year bachelor’s degree programs in Food Science and Biochemistry.
• Kravvas School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, offering a four-year bachelor’s degree program in Plant Production.
• Kyriakopoulos Family School of Business and Economics, offering a four-year bachelor’s degree program in Agribusiness.

Undergraduate programs will begin in the 2026–2027 academic year, while applications for graduate programs will open at a later stage. All programs will be taught exclusively in English, further strengthening the University’s international profile and attracting students from Greece and around the world. All degrees will be awarded by Iowa State University, pending approval from the Higher Learning Commission, Iowa State’s educational accreditor, and the Iowa Board of Regents, which governs the state’s public universities.

“Since 1858, Iowa State has been dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and global engagement, and today we are proud to extend that legacy to Greece,” said President David Cook. “The launch of this new University is a historic moment that creates exciting opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and academic excellence in the fields of agriculture, food, business, and the sciences, and offers students a world-class educational experience.”

Dr. Jeff Lansdale, President of the American Farm School and AFSU-U.L.E., stated: “This achievement brings a shared vision to life and marks the beginning of a new era for the American Farm School. After 122 years of continuous contribution to education and rural development, we are taking perhaps the most significant step in our Institution’s history by establishing a University with an international outlook and American academic standards. AFSU-U.L.E. will serve as a center of excellence in education, research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, preparing the next generation of leaders in the agrifood sector and making a meaningful contribution to the development of Greece and the wider region. Today’s approval validates our vision and opens new opportunities for our students, our partners, and society as a whole.”