Outstanding in Their Field

The people who make up the UT Institute of Agriculture are the driving force behind the Real. Life. Solutions. we create and deliver. Learn more about some of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni whose work sets them apart.

Faculty


Karen DeLong holding a "Lady Vols" basketball

Karen DeLong

Associate Professor of Agricultural and Resource Economics recognized for dedication to education and community with UT Knoxville Athletics Professor of Excellence award

Headshot of Juan Luis Jurat-Fuentes in a greenhouse

Juan Luis Jurat-Fuentes

Professor of Entomology and Plant Pathology develops innovative and environmentally friendly insect control tools to support farmers in Tennessee and beyond

Deb Saha standing in front of a lab

Deb Saha

Assistant Professor of Soil Science Discovers Innovative Approaches to Mitigate Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Agriculture

Staff


Holly Jones with yellow flowers

Holly Jones

Horticulturalist cultivates spaces for people to connect with nature at UT Gardens, Knoxville

Blake Brown standing in a field of cotton

Blake Brown

AgResearch and Education Center at Milan director carries a legacy of agricultural research

Kayela standing in the new UTCVM building

Kayela Statom

A love for students and agriculture fuels UTCVM coordinator of recruitment and student engagement’s passion for veterinary education

Students


Rachel Hefton planting hops at the UT Hopyard

Rachel Hefton

Plant sciences student’s experience in undergraduate research fosters growth in specialty crop production

Adrianna Johnson headshot

Adrianna Johnson

First-generation Herbert student strives to create a welcoming environment for minorities in agriculture

Headshot of Mason Thomas outside

Mason Thomas

Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science student explores a future in sustainability and waste reduction at the Herbert College of Agriculture

Alumni


Lydia wearing a Team USA shirt with cattle in the background

Lydia White

Food Science alum (’02) set to represent the United States as an orthopaedic surgeon caring for athletes in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris

Charlie Hatcher at a barn with cattle in the background

Charlie Hatcher

UTCVM Alum (’84) Serves Tennessee’s Farmers and Foresters as the State’s 38th Commissioner of Agriculture

Samantha Beaty with her cows

Samantha Beaty

UTCVM alum (’01) protects Tennessee animals as the state veterinarian and assistant commissioner for animal health