University of Tennessee Alumni Joins Hands to Enhance
International Agriculture
 |
| Donnie and Terry Smith |
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.
- “The outstanding reputation of the
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture and our shared mission to seek
global solutions to help world hunger, we felt it was a perfect fit” Donnie Smith,
CEO of Tyson Foods and UT College of Agriculture and Natural Resources alumni
says is the reason he and his wife have pledged $3.2 million.
This gift will establish the Donald and Terry Smith Endowed Chair in
International Sustainable Agriculture through the University of Tennessee
Foundation, Inc.
“The new faculty position will help
bring science-based agriculture solutions to areas of the world with struggling
agriculture practices and economies, as well as provide unique opportunities
for the State of Tennessee,” said Larry Arrington, chancellor of the
University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture.
Donnie Smith earned his undergraduate
degree in animal science and his wife, Terry, is a graduate of the College of
Education. “Terry and I are both alumni of the University and feel we would not
be where we are today without the education and support we received during our
years there and the relationships developed there that continue to encourage us
and enrich our lives to this day,” said Smith.
Global hunger is an international
issue that impacts millions everyday. Hunger is not only in the bushes of
Africa but also in Knoxville, Tennessee and nationwide. Hunger is a growing
problem with estimated 1 in 7 going to bed hungry every day. The global population is
expected to reach 9 billion by 2050. It is estimated the world will need to
produce twice as much food as is produced today.
UTIA is recognized as a top-tier
land grant university and has placed priority in becoming more internationally
involved. UTIA partners with many different academic and research programs
throughout the land-grant universities.
“We are operating more than ever in
a global environment, and our faculty and students need opportunities to learn
more about how we in Tennessee relate to the worldwide economy,” said
Arrington.
The Smith Endowment will allow for
UTIA to better partner and have a much greater impact within the U.S. and
around the world. UTIA currently has ongoing international projects in Africa
Europe, South America, and Southeast Asia. UTIA is truly expressing the volunteer spirit with their international work.
The Smith Endowed Chair and Director
for International Programs will work closely with UTIA’s four units – the
College of Agriculture Sciences and Natural Resources, UT AgReaserch, UT
Extension and the College of Veterinary Medicine. Finding solutions to
encourage less-equipped nations to maximize available resources in an effort to
provide better nutrition for the entire world is the goal of the Smith
donation.
“We have long recognized the need
for global partnerships, and the Institute has exciting and meaningful work
already underway with partners around the world,” said Arrington.
“The Smith Endowed Chair will take us to the next level in international partnerships relative to agriculture issues and providing solutions that help feed the world,” said Arrington.
“The Smith Endowed Chair will take us to the next level in international partnerships relative to agriculture issues and providing solutions that help feed the world,” said Arrington.
UTIA and UTIA Faculty International Advisory Council will be responsible in selecting the individual to serve as the Smith Chair.
Since the donation UT President Joe DiPietro has awarded the Smiths with the Presidents Philanthropist of the Year award.
