Presidents Medallion

Clen and Emma Atchley own and manage the Flying A Ranch in Ashton, Idaho, a successful seed potato operation that celebrated its centennial in 2001. Both are University of Idaho graduates; Clen received a bachelor’s degree in agriculture in 1966, and Emma earned a bachelor’s degree in English in 1968 when she received the prestigious Theophilus Outstanding Senior Award.

Emma became a University of Idaho Foundation member in 1990. Ten years later, she was elected Foundation president. She served on the Agricultural Biotechnology Campaign Committee from 1998 to 2001, and helped raise nearly $6 million, double the original goal. She also served as an Alumni Association board member and was board president in 1987.

The Atchley’s were named the Foundation’s Volunteers of the Year in 2002 for their long-term leadership as volunteers for the University of Idaho. Their efforts to support the university through their time and talents epitomize the many valued opportunities that exist for alumni to give back to their alma mater.

Clen has served the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences in a number of volunteer positions. He has been a member of the Ag Consulting Council, now known as the Dean’s Advisory Board, for a number of years. Clen also was a founding member of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Alumni and Friends Association Board of Directors, and served as board president in 1999 for a two-year term. As a member of the board, Clen has been a key member who has assisted the college in events and student recruitment activities in southeast Idaho. Clen also was appointed to the college’s Centennial Task Force, which met throughout 2000-01 to plan college centennial activities throughout the state.

The Atchleys recently were presented with the prestigious 2005 Environmental Stewardship Award by the National Potato Council.