Jennifer “Jeno” Rivera, PhD, is the Director of the Institute of Agricultural Technology (IAT) in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, where she leads strategic visioning, program development, faculty support, and statewide partnerships to advance innovative, career-focused education in agriculture, the environment, and applied technologies. The IAT, founded in 1894, is a leader in hands-on, career-centric education—offering two-year certificate programs grounded in real-world experience, with locations across Michigan in collaboration with community college partners.
In addition to her leadership of IAT, Jeno is an Associate Professor in the Department of Community Sustainability, where her scholarship centers on community education and engagement, forging partnerships that empower communities as co-creators of knowledge. She is a co-developer of the Radical Reciprocity model (radicalreciprocity.com), which reimagines university-community relationships by promoting mutually empowering, co-generative collaborations that advance social justice and resilience.
With a background in secondary agriculture and environmental sciences education and a doctorate specializing in learning, teaching and social policy, Jeno is recognized for her deep commitment to high-impact, self-directed learning and for mentoring both students and faculty. Her approach continues to shape the MSU’s mission of empowering students and building sustainable, innovative educational pathways for Michigan and beyond.