Alumni Profiles
Ray Abner (BS 1979, MS 1981)
Director of the North America Anitox
Ray recently accepted a new position as Director of the North America Anitox located in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Anitox provides solutions for mold and salmonella/pathogen prevention and elimination from feed and feed ingredients, as well as efficiency solutions for the pelleting industry.
Heather Blackmon (MS 2002)
Clinical Embryologist, Carolina Conceptions
As the supervisor of an in-vitro fertilization lab, Blackmon says her favorite part of the job is “holding an eight-cell embryo in my arms nine months later.” The ’02 M.S. Animal Science graduate learned IVF techniques from Institute animal reproduction specialists Drs. Lannett Edwards and Neal Schrick while supporting herself with an off-campus job and keeping up with her studies. Today she remains involved in animal agriculture. “I do a lot of cattle work. Every opportunity I get I go play with the cows. Cattle are definitely my first love and sometimes a lot easier to work with than the ladies. I often joke around in my job that I wish I had a stock chute.”
Kimberly Bordelon (BS 2002)
Small Animal Practitioner
Graduated from UT College of Veterinary Medicine in May 2006 and is currently a small animal practitioner living in Dandridge, Tennessee.
Larry Cunningham (BS 1981)
Chief Lending Officer Chattanooga Ag Credit and Seed Stock
Producer of Polled Hereford Cattle.
Chattanooga Ag Credit serves more than 2,300 farm families in 12 southeastern Tennessee counties. ³We are a farmer-owner cooperative providing loans to help farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, and rural homeowners grow financially,² says the B.S. ¹81 Animal Science graduate.³Our goal is to allow people the opportunity to share in farm life and farm values by providing them funds.² Away from the office Cunningham spends time on his 200-acre family farm raising Registered Polled Herefords. Farm life is even more special since he and his wife, Michelle, had twin boys in August. Cunningham is a past president of Tennessee 4-H Foundation and currently serves as president of the Tennessee Beef Industry Council, which oversees the Beef Checkoff Program. The program adds value to the products produced by the state¹s beef producers through research to ensure product safety, marketing promotions, and product development. One product the Checkoff developed is the wildly popular flat iron steak.
James Heird (BS ----, MS 1971)
Associate Dean and Director of
teaching and outreach for the Equine Center at Colorado State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences.
On behalf of CASNR and the Alumni Council, Dr. Alan Mathew, head of the Department of Animal Science, presented Dr. James Heird the 2005 distinguished alumnus award. Dr. Heird holds a B.S. in animal husbandry and an M.S. in animal genetics from UT. He is currently associate dean and director of teaching and outreach for the Equine Center at Colorado State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences.
Michael Henson (MS 1981)
Department
Head, Purdue University, Calumet.
Dr. Michael Henson, who received the BS degree in Animal Science at UT Martin, the MS in Animal Science at UT, Knoxville and the PhD at the University of Arkansas, has spent the past 14 years on the faculty at the Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA. He recently accepted the position of Head of the Department of Biological Sciences at Purdue University, Calumet. The Purdue Calumet campus is located in northern Indiana near the city of Hammond. Dr. Henson and his wife Libby (also a UTM Animal Science Alumnus), have 3 grown children: Kate, Rachel and Chris. The Henson’s send their greetings to all UT Animal Science alumni and friends, wherever they may be.
Sandra (Thomsen) Hogan (BS 2002)
Mountain National Bank
Sandra (Thomsen) Hogan, an AS Production Management graduate recently moved back to Tennessee after living in St. Louis, Missouri working in feed sales and laboratory animal management. While in Missouri she also completed her MBA from St. Louis University in 2006. Now Sandra resides in Sevierville, with husband Dean, where she works for Mountain National Bank.
Teresa Jennings (BS 2002)
Program Director, CAIT (Companion Animal Initiative of Tennessee)
A University of Tennessee leader in animal welfare has received a national award for her work at the College of Veterinary Medicine. Teresa Jennings, program director of CAIT (Companion Animal Initiative of Tennessee) received the Hills Animal Welfare & Humane Ethics Award for advancing animal welfare through extraordinary service and furthering humane principles, education and understanding.
Suzanne Barrett Justis (BS 1988)
Suzanne Barrett
Justis Fine Art Studio and Gallery
Has opened an art gallery, Suzanne Barrett Justis Fine Art Studio and Gallery, in downtown Kingsport, Tennessee. Please feel free to stop by the gallery at 110 E. Market Street or browse online at http://www.suzannebarrettjustisfineart.com/. The gallery features animal and wildlife art, pet portraits, local landscapes, florals, and commissioned work. She currently lives in Kingsport with her husband, Keith, and has two children, Hannah and Matt.
James Klotz (BS 1996, MS 1999, PhD 2004)
Research Animal Scientist, USDAARS,
Forage-Animal Production Research Unit
Dr. James Klotz finds success with the USDA Agricultural Research Service at the University of Kentucky.“I was born in Clarksburg, WV in 1974. In the early years my family moved around a bit and finally settled in Columbia, TN. I graduated from Columbia Central High in 1992 and promptly started what would become a 12-year stint at the University of Tennessee. I ended my time at The University of Tennessee after receiving my third diploma in May 2004. Shortly thereafter, I accepted a post-doctoral position as a research animal scientist at the newly formed USDAARS, Forage-Animal Production Research Unit in Lexington, KY. Within the unit, I am part of a program led by Dr. James R. Strickland that is developing and validating in vitro and in vivo models for the study of forage-induced metabolic perturbations on grazing livestock. A component of this research is the characterization of the vascular effects caused by exposure to ergot alkaloids. For this, I have established a saphenous vein biopsy procedure that was originally developed by Dr. Jack Oliver’s research group at the University of Tennessee. Also, I have been collaborating with many of the Animal and Plant Science faculty at the University of Kentucky and simply put, have just been enjoying the academic, research, and life experiences that make up a post-doctoral odyssey.”
Willard Lemaster (MS 1996)
Executive Director, Pennsylvania Center for Beef Excellence
Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff welcomed J. Willard Lemaster as the new executive director of the Center for Beef Excellence, a non-profit organization designed to strengthen the state's beef cattle industry. Lemaster brings a diverse and extensive professional background to the position, said Wolff, having worked in production agriculture, marketing, education and research. "The beef cattle industry contributes $1.9 billion annually to our state's economy and its continued success is essential to our state and our rural communities," Wolff said. "With Willard's leadership in the Center for Beef Excellence, we can continue to grow the commonwealth's beef industry and secure its role in our future.""We have been extremely impressed with Willard's credentials," said Jeff Nogan, president of the center's board of directors. "His knowledge of the industry and his experiences as a producer, researcher and educator make him a terrific choice, and I am confident he will use his knowledge and relationships within the industry to lead the center successfully." Lemaster holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal and Veterinary Sciences from West Virginia University and a Master of Science in Animal Sciences, with specialization in beef cattle reproductive physiology from the University of Tennessee. He is currently a Doctor of Philosophy candidate and is conducting research in food science and technology with a specialization in animal sciences at the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore.
Rallie McAllister (BS 1986)
M.D., MPH, MSEH and Author
Dr. Rallie McAllister, M.D., MPH, MSEH, is the author of several books including her most recent, Riding for Life: A Horsewoman’s Guide to Lifetime Health and Fitness. Her nationally syndicated newspaper column, Your Health by Dr. Rallie McAllister, Creator Syndicate, is read by millions throughout the U.S. and Canada. A former television and radio show host, McAllister has been featured in numerous publications, including USA Today, Prevention, Parents, Redbook, WebMD, and Family Circle. McAllister is a dynamic and inspirational speaker; and she delivers health and nutrition seminars around the country. She currently lives on a small horse farm just outside Lexington, Kentucky, with her husband, emergency physician Robin Peavler, M.D., and their two youngest sons, Oakley and Gatlin. Her oldest son, Chad, proudly serves in the U.S. Marine Corps.
Carol McDonald (BS)
Assistant Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Agriculture
Tennessee Department of Agriculture Commissioner Julius Johnson announced the appointment of Carol Coley McDonald as Assistant Commissioner for Policy and Legislation. “Carol has an intimate knowledge of agriculture and rural issues, which will serve the state well as we work to support Governor Haslam’s priorities on rural economic development,” said Johnson. “I’m very pleased that she is joining our staff. She will do a great job in representing the department on legislative and policy matters.”
Megan McMurray (BS 1997)
Assistant Director of Development and Alumni Relations, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary
Medicine
Relocated back to Knoxville after many years in Colorado. She is excited to be back in the Volunteer State and recently accepted a position with the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine as the Assistant Director of Development and Alumni Relations. After being involved with large animal veterinary pharmaceutical research followed by companion animal pharmaceutical sales, she is very excited about this new position. Be sure to check out one of her new projects, Petstock: A benefit concert and auction assisting with animal aid. (http://www.vet.utk.edu/petstock/)
Jenifer Nadeau (PhD 2001)
A big congratulations goes to Dr. Jenifer A. Nadeau, who received her M.S. in Comparative Experimental Medicine (1997) and Ph.D. in Animal Science (2001), as she was recently promoted to Associate Professor with Tenure in the Department of Animal Science at the University of Connecticut. The promotion and tenure will take effect as of August 2007.
Brad Shaver (BS 2003)
Helena Chemical Company
Following graduation from UT, Brad Shaver married former UT Food Science graduate, Vivian Ann Rash and continued his education at the University of Arkansas, where he earned the MS degree in Horticulture in December 2005. He and his family have since relocated to Lyman, South Carolina, in the Greenville/Spartanburg area. They have one son, Rex Thomas Shaver, who recently turned one year old. Brad is employed at Helena Chemical Company, which was founded in 1957 and is a nationwide distributor of agricultural products and provider of agronomic support services. Brad’s responsibilities include parts of South and North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee.
Donnie Smith (BS 1980)
Tyson Foods, President and Chief Executive Officer
SPRINGDALE, Ark., Nov 19, 2009 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX) -- Chairman of the Board John Tyson, of Tyson Foods, Inc., announced today that the Board of Directors of Tyson Foods has chosen Donnie Smith, currently senior group vice president of Poultry and Prepared Foods, to be the company's president and chief executive officer, effective immediately.
Donnie Smith, 50, joined Tyson Foods in 1980 after graduating from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Animal Science. After seven years experience in various live poultry production jobs, he moved to the corporate headquarters in Springdale, Arkansas, to join the Tyson commodities purchasing group. Since then, he has had various leadership roles in the company, including Purchasing; Environmental, Health and Safety; Food Safety and Quality Assurance; Manufacturing Services; Information Systems; and Logistics, before becoming senior group vice president of Poultry and Prepared Foods.
"I started with Tyson Foods 29 years ago, and I've been very fortunate to serve in several roles for this great company," Smith said. "At every turn, I learned a different aspect of what we do, but the most important thing I've learned is that we have an amazing team of individuals that are dedicated to producing results. I am honored that I will now serve these team members as the leader of our company, and I am certain that 2010 and the years to come are going to be great for our shareholders, our customers, and other stakeholders. Yes, we, like everyone else, have seen some struggles in these economic times, but I am certain that through the leadership of our team, the efforts of all our team members with our customers, and the focus on operational excellence, we will succeed."
SOURCE: Tyson Foods, Inc. , Contact: Tyson Foods Gary Mickelson 479-290-6111 gary.mickelson@tyson.com
Megan Stinson (BS 2003)
Earns Doctorate in Physical Therapy
Megan Stinson earned the Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Belmont University where she introduced a new program, Special Kids, to the Christian Care Center for children with special needs. While interning in the Special Kids program, Megan developed the idea for a “Prayer Pal Bear” given to children for companionship while they undergo therapy. To help fund the program, Megan acquired corporate sponsorships from companies such as Build-a-Bear, Lifeway, Liberty Trust Mortgage, Inc., and Hyde Electric. Through her efforts, Megan has provided more than 500 bears to Special Kids. Each bear has Stinson’s favorite verse about children on the back of its shirt, with that being: “And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me.” Matthew 18:4-5
Kevin Thompson (BS 1991, MS 1996)
Center Director, UT AgResearch
Middle Tennessee Research & Education Center and the Dairy Research & Education Center
Mr. Kevin Thompson has accepted the position of Center Director at the Middle Tennessee Research and Education Center in Spring Hill and the Dairy Research and Education Center in Lewisburg. Kevin will assume the Director role effective January 11, 2010.
Lacy Upchurch (BS 1967, MS 1977)
Tennessee
Farm Bureau President
The Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation’s new president earned two degrees from the Department of Animal Science and began his agricultural career as a UT Extension agent in Madison and Cumberland counties. Lacy Upchurch is the seventh state president for the 84-year-old Farm Bureau. He succeeds Sequatchie County dairyman Flavius Barker who served with distinction as the organization’s chief officer for the past 10 years. Barker announced earlier this year that he would not seek reelection and instead is returning to his farm near Dunlap to farm with his sons. After his years with Extension, Mr. Upchurch became a full-time farmer and began a successful swine operation. Later he moved more into beef cattle production. He is currently one of the county’s major producers.
Kendra Manning Waldbusser (BS 1994)
Pilgrim’s Pride, Senior Vice President of Food Safety and Quality
Assurance
Kendra Waldbusser has been named senior vice president of food safety and quality
assurance for Pilgrim’s Pride. In this role, she is responsible for all quality assurance and
food safety programs throughout the organization. Kendra will be based in Greeley, Colo.,
and will report to Don Jackson, President and Chief Executive Officer.
Kendra previously worked as director of quality assurance for renewable products at Tyson
Foods. During her 13 years with Tyson, she also held a variety of other positions, including
product manager for Pet Products Marketing – Renewable Products Division; divisional
quality assurance manager – foodservice poultry and regional quality assurance manager -
foodservice poultry.
She earned a B.S degree in Animal Science and a M.S. degree in Comparative &
Experimental Medicine from the University of Tennessee.
Kendra and her husband, Joe, who has accepted a position with JBS, are in the process of
relocating to Northern Colorado. Kendra enjoys riding horses, is an avid foxhunter and plans
to ride to hounds with the Arapahoe Hunt in Denver.
Announcement: March 25, 2010
Amy Powell Williams (BS 1996)
Extension Agent, Loudon County, Tennessee
2009 Vernon and Ida Darter Award Winner. This award, named for the late Extension Dean Emeritus Vernon W. Darter and his wife, the late Ida Darter, recognizes excellence among the ranks of Associate Extension Agents. Amy Powell Williams is an Extension Agent in Loudon County. She is an effective agent who has an appreciation of our proud past AND the ability to adapt to changing times. Amy might best capture these traits. She grew up in an Extension home with her father serving as State 4-H Director. Her mother was also a 4-H agent at one time. Amy knows all about Extension’s rich tradition, and chose to make this her career. But she also represents a new wave of agents - armed with youthful passion, a head for modern technology and the ability to connect with today’s kids. Amy works in Loudon County - where she oversees the programming for 2000 children in more than 100 clubs. Her programming includes camps, animal projects, honor club and educational programs in leadership and citizenship. Amy also does a great job of marketing 4-H in Loudon County, and oversees a fund raising effort each year to support her program. Like so many of our agents, Amy stresses the importance of community service. In 2008, Loudon County 4-H’ers and volunteers performed nearly 600 hours of service learning projects - including “Adopt a highway” - where they pick up trash - and making stuffed animals for the local Child Advocacy Center.