Kansas State University is awarding an honorary doctorate to a former CEO of agribusiness giant Cargill Inc.

Warren Staley, of Edina, Minn., will receive the honorary degree during a May 17 commencement ceremony in Bramlage Coliseum. Staley also is the commencement speaker.

Staley graduated from Kansas State in 1965 with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He went on to receive a master’s degree in business administration from Cornell University in 1967.

Staley joined Cargill in 1969 and became president and chief operating officer in 1998. He was named CEO a year later and chairman of the board in 2000. Staley retired in 2007.

Kansas State says Staley and his wife, Mary Lynn, have contributed money for academic programs, scholarships and facility improvements.