Special Guest: Donnie Smith
Donnie Smith’s passion for leadership was the hallmark of his 36-year career in the food business. As president and CEO of Tyson Foods from 2009 to 2016, he led the company to focus on feeding the world great, affordable food, while also making a positive difference in people’s lives. Building a culture in which a servant-leadership style could thrive enabled his TEAM to consistently excel across all facets of the business. Under his leadership, Tyson Foods achieved four straight years of record profits, multiplying the stock’s value 6 times in 7 years.
Smith is now focused on building resilient, sustainable food systems in the developing world, enabling small-holder farms to lift themselves out of poverty primarily through the poultry value chain. He and his wife, Terry, are native Tennesseans and have four children and six grandchildren.
Smith earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science from the Herbert College at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, where the Smiths have endowed the Smith Center for International Sustainable Agriculture. Smith remains actively involved with his alma mater.
Dean's Dialogue
- April 27, 2026
- 4-5 p.m.
- Agricultural Hall - Room 135
- Oklahoma State University
- Register for the Dean's Dialogue