Haramaya University has conferred the rank of Full Professorship on Dr. Habtamu Zeleke.

Dr. Habtamu Zeleke was born on January 18, 1949 in Bulki (u<Mm) town, Gammo Goffa province, Ethiopia. He attended his elementary school at Fitawirary Asfaw Engidaye Elementary School (1961-1964) and Botre Junior Secondary School (1965). In 1966, Dr. Habtamu Zeleke joined Arba Minch secondary school and completed his high school education in 1969 by successfully passing the Ethiopian School Leaving Examination.

Thereafter, he joined Jimma Institute of Agriculture and completed his post-secondary school education in General Agriculture with distinctions in 1971. After completion, he joined Alemaya College of Agriculture as Technical Assistant and served effectively for a period of four years. In 1976, he got an opportunity of further studies in area of agricultural sciences at Nitra University of Agriculture in Slovakia. After successfully defending his MSc thesis research work in 1980, he was granted MSc degree in Agriculture with specialization in Plant Breeding/Genetics. Due to his outstanding performance, in consultation with the Ethiopian Embassy in Berlin, the Nitra University of Agricultural directly granted an opportunity for PhD studies to Dr. Habtamu. He then joined the PhD program of Nitra University of Agriculture in October 1980 and completed in September 1984.

After completing his PhD studies, Dr. Habtamu returned back to Ethiopia and joined the Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR) in March 1985 and served the institute for a year. In 1986, he joined the then College of Agriculture at Alemaya The current, Haramaya University, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences. Since then, Dr. Habtamu Zeleke has been serving Haramaya University effectively in teaching, research & extension as well as community services such as the delivery of training to model farmers, development agents, subject matter specialists and young maize research scientists on agronomy of maize production and maize seed production; and serving as a member of the National Variety Release Standing Committee.

During these long years of service at Haramaya University, Dr. Habtamu Zeleke has published more than 50 articles in journals of international repute, presented and published several articles in proceedings, and co-authored 3 books. Dr. Habtamu Zeleke successfully trained and advised several young Ethiopians at BSc, MSc and PhD levels who are currently serving as agricultural scientists in higher institutions both in the country and internationally. In addition, he worked without interruption in Haramaya University research system, particularly in maize research program and released more than 10 improved maize varieties such as Alemaya Composite, Raare 1, BH660, BH661 and BHQPY545, along with their production recommendations for different agro-ecologies in the country.

Furthermore, Dr. Habtamu Zeleke served the Department of Plant Sciences and the university at large at different administrative positions as Agronomy Section Head, Head of the Department of Plant Sciences, Research Director of Haramaya University, and Associate Dean of College of Agriculture.

Dr. Habtamu Zeleke has contributed extensively in teaching, research & extension, and community services. Therefore, the rank of Full Professor in Plant Breeding and Genetics is conferred on Dr. Habtamu Zeleke by the university’s Senate and Administrative Board considering his contributions to the advancement of his field of study, the improvement of the country’s agricultural practices, the core service areas of the university, national development activities, and science & society at large. The university congratulates Dr. Habtamu Zeleke and wishes him good luck in his future Endeavors.