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
Associate Professor of Agricultural and Resource Economics recognized for dedication to education and community with UT Knoxville Athletics Professor of Excellence award
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
Assistant Professor of Soil Science Discovers Innovative Approaches to Mitigate Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Agriculture
Staff
Holly Jones
Horticulturalist cultivates spaces for people to connect with nature at UT Gardens, Knoxville
Blake Brown
AgResearch and Education Center at Milan director carries a legacy of agricultural research
Kayela Statom
A love for students and agriculture fuels UTCVM coordinator of recruitment and student engagement’s passion for veterinary education
Students
Rachel Hefton
Plant sciences student’s experience in undergraduate research fosters growth in specialty crop production
Adrianna Johnson
First-generation Herbert student strives to create a welcoming environment for minorities in agriculture
Mason Thomas
Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science student explores a future in sustainability and waste reduction at the Herbert College of Agriculture
Alumni
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
UTCVM Alum (’84) Serves Tennessee’s Farmers and Foresters as the State’s 38th Commissioner of Agriculture
Samantha Beaty
UTCVM alum (’01) protects Tennessee animals as the state veterinarian and assistant commissioner for animal health
