The Herbert College of Agriculture prides itself on developing students into successful alumni who are making significant impacts in the fields of agriculture and natural resources. If you’re a Herbert alum, check out some of the ways you can stay engaged with the college.
How to Get InVOLved
The Herbert Young Alumni Council is in its inaugural year of service. As the premier leadership opportunity for our young alums, we are proud to welcome our first class of 24 members this fall. The council will work to promote all things Herbert College of Agriculture, UTIA, and University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Responsibilities Include:
- In-person attendance for all-day Friday meetings twice per year, once in the fall and once in the spring.
- Commitment to the promotion of the college and agriculture in the state of Tennessee.
- Mentorship opportunities with current Herbert students.
- Assistance with the recruitment of prospective Herbert students.
- Service as an ambassador, advisor, and advocate for Herbert and its leadership.
- Service as a representative for other Herbert and UT alumni.
Applications have closed for 2024, but they will reopen in April of 2025. Terms run on the fiscal year from June to July, and members will commit to a three-year term upon acceptance. Please reach out to Mackenzie Furches at mfurche1@utk.edu if you have any questions!
2024-2025 Council Members
Adella Lonas ’22
Animal Science
Annie Hatmaker ’16
Entomology and Plant Pathology
Ashley Peterson ’13
Food and Agricultural Business
Christian Dalton ’20
Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications and Animal Science
Derek Brawner ’15
Wildlife and Fisheries Science and Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications
Erin DeGennaro ’16
Animal Science and Agricultural Leadership, Educations, and Communications
Ethan Harvill ’23
Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications
Hunter Jones ’18
Animal Science
Jacinda Dunn ’14
Food Science
Jake Watts ’21
Animal Science
Jonathan Trew ’20
Food and Agricultural Business
Kendall Griffin ’23
Natural Resource and Environmental Economics and Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications
Lydia Siebert ’17
Animal Science
Madison Kilbarger ’20
Food and Agricultural Business
McKayla Henley ’19
Food Science
Mikhail Lavrinovich ’23
Construction Science and Management
Ryan Watson ’19
Biosystems Engineering
Sarah Ottinger ’18
Environmental and Soil Science
Timothy Ray ’23
Food and Agricultural Business
Will Rice ’22
Food and Agricultural Business
We have several alumni who have received prestigious awards and recognition from the college and university. Here are a few listed below:
UT Knoxville’s 2024 Alumni Awards Gala
Donnie Smith ’80 received the Distinguished Alumnus/Alumna Award, the highest alumni award at UT.
Since graduating with his bachelor’s degree in animal science, Smith’s success in the food business has spanned thirty-six years. Some of his most notable accomplishments include serving as president and CEO of Tyson Foods from 2009 to 2016, supporting the Herbert College of Agriculture by endowing the Smith Center for International Sustainable Agriculture, and being inducted into the Tennessee Poultry Hall of Fame in 2021.
Learn more about his story here.
Taylor Bauldwin ’17 received the Alumni Promise Award for success achieved early in his career.
Upon receiving his bachelor’s degree in food science, Bauldwin has built a successful career in the food and beverage space, with several philanthropic ventures. He founded Rooted Ventures to provide support, recognition, and investment to Black and minority founders in the food and beverage industry. Additionally, he serves as program director for the Melon Kitchen accelerator program in Indianapolis, Indiana, and as a member of the Indy Food Council, contributing to political decisions and helping ensure an equitable food ecosystem.
Learn more about his story here.
Volunteer 40 Under 40
Five Herbert alumni were included in the Volunteer 40 Under 40 Class of 2024. All five gathered at the annual banquet to be recognized for their accomplishments and to reminisce about their time as a Vol. Herbert is proud of these alums for earning such a prestigious honor and for the impacts they’re making in their careers.
40 Under 40 Awardees (left to right):
- Brigitte Passman, BS Agriculture Leadership, Education, and Communication (’17), MS (’20)
- Cora Key, BS Animal Science (’20), MS Agriculture Resource Economics (’22)
- Jason Kelley, BS Agricultural Economics (’06)
- Leslie Brooks, BS Animal Science (’08), MPH (’11), DVM Veterinary Medicine (’12)
- Courtney Doss, BS Animal Science (’07)
If you’re looking for other ways to get involved or get back on campus, please don’t hesitate to reach out to one of the staff members below. We’re looking forward to getting to know you!
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