Jardine had a strong interest in practical farming. He was also attracted to the opportunities in education. He began his teaching in Utah, where he soon became professor of agronomy. In 1910, Jardine moved to Manhattan, Kansas, to accept the position of agronomist at the Kansas State Agricultural College. Three years later, Jardine was made dean of the Division of Agriculture and was Director of the Agriculture Experiment Station.
President of Kansas State University
On March 1, 1918, Jardine became the seventh President of Kansas State University. He served until February 28, 1925, when he was succeeded by Francis D. Farrell. The office had been vacant after Henry J. Waters resigned to become managing editor of the Weekly Kansas City Star.
During his time in office, Jardine penned several handbooks, such as the "Suggestions for Teachers Giving Practical Instruction to City Boys in (a) Care and Handling of Work Horses (b) Care, Adjustment, and Use of Farm Machinery (c) Care and Handling of Dairy Cows and Milk", which was published by the Kansas State Council of Defense.
Jardine achieved an outstanding reputation for his work in agricultural education that extended far beyond the borders of the state of Kansas.
Secretary of Agriculture
Jardine was sworn in office as the Secretary of Agriculture.
At the end of the Coolidge administration on March 4, 1929, Jardine served in President Herbert Hoover's administration as the United States Minister to Egypt from October 13, 1930, until September 5, 1933.[2][3]
President of Municipal University of Wichita
After returning to Kansas in 1933, Jardine became the president of the Municipal University of Wichita (currently known as Wichita State University). Jardine was appointed by the Kansas State Treasurer from October 2, 1933, and he took the oath the following day. He served in this capacity from October 3, 1933, until 1949.[4]
Death
Biographic sketch of William M. Jardine from the July 1, 1933, Register of the Department of StateWilliam M. Jardine's wife, Effie Nebeker, photographed by chrysanthemums November 5, 1925.
Jardine was very active in education and government services until his death on January 17, 1955, in San Antonio, Texas. He is interred at the Logan City Cemetery in Logan, Utah.