Animal Science Graduates of Distinction Honored at Banquet

Lauren Husband

Michael Looper, head of the Animal Science Department, presents the Graduate of Distinction award to Michelle Caldwell.

The Department of Animal Science presented its 2018 Awards of Distinction during its annual Animal Science Awards and Scholarship Banquet on Tuesday, April 24, at the Pauline Whitaker Animal Science Center.

Also honored at the banquet were students who received scholarships for the 2018-19 academic year. This year, the department presented over $40,000 in scholarships to 50 students.

The banquet was hosted by the Animal Science REPS group, which, this year, consisted of Shelby Lowery, Kelsey Treichler, Amy Frank, Ashley Finney, Mersady Redding, Sophia Mauldin, Shannon Leonard, Bailey Carpenter, Holley Herndon, and Kelsey Johnson.

The 2018 Awards of Distinction recipients are:

• Advanced Graduates of Distinction — Ellen Davis and Michelle Caldwell
• Graduate of Distinction — Rebecca Simon
• Friend of the Department — the Bogle Family.

Each awardee was recognized for his or her contributions to animal science industry and research, as well as to the Department of Animal Science.

Ellen Davis - Advanced Graduate of Distinction - Ph.D.

Ellen Davis was raised on a row crop and livestock farm in Eastern North Carolina. She received her B.S. in animal science from North Carolina State University, M.S. in animal nutrition from Oklahoma State University, and Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas where her research focused on nutritional immunology in the young pig under the guidance of Charles Maxwell.

Currently, Davis is the monogastric field technical service manager for Arm & Hammer Animal Nutrition. Previously, she served as the immunology research and development director at Agro BioSciences Inc., as the research and development director at DuPont Nutrition and Health, and as the director of swine research at Agtech Products Inc.. In her spare time, Davis enjoys reading, recreational swimming, thoroughbred horse racing, and riding her horses in local hunter/jumper shows.

Michelle Caldwell - Advanced Graduate of Distinction - M.S.

Michelle Caldwell received her B.A. in biology from Transylvania University, her A.A.S. in veterinary technology from Morehead State University, and her M.S. in animal science with research on the influence of wet-aging on bloom time and re-bloom time of beef from the University of Arkansas.

Caldwell is currently a senior business development manager for Walmart, where she is the technical liaison and subject matter expert between the suppliers and buyers. She develops and maintains product specifications for all fresh pork and smoked meats to ensure quality and consistent product. Caldwell also conducts on-site supplier audits to determine if specifications are being met and the plants are operating in accordance with Walmart standards and works with the buyers to analyze and review categories for cost saving opportunities, quality improvements, and sales opportunities.

Her current position has allowed her to work closely with the National Pork Board. She was a member of the charter Industry Audit Task Force, which first developed the Common Swine Industry Audit. She is also a member of the National Pork Board's Retail Advisory Committee and is PAACO certified as a Meat Plant Welfare Auditor.

Dr. Rebecca Simon - Graduate of Distinction - B.S.

Rebecca Simon, M.D., has been a family medicine physician in her hometown of Harrison since 2009. Simon earned her B.S. in animal science from the University of Arkansas, graduating summa cum laude in 2002. She attended medical school at the University of Arkansas College of Medicine in Little Rock, graduated with honors, and accomplished her postgraduate residency training at Via Christi Family Medicine Residency in Wichita, Kansas.

As owner and sole proprietor of a thriving general family medicine practice, her practice has grown to include all ages, from newborn to geriatrics, with a special interest in preventative health and nutrition.

Simon is an active leader in her community, recently playing an integral role as obstetric and nursery department chair and physician champion in her local hospital's successful endeavor to become a nationally recognized baby-friendly hospital.

Simon is married to Nicholas Simon, also a U of A animal science graduate. They have two children, Jacob and June. They live on a cattle farm just outside of Harrison, where they are fortunate enough to be able to put into practice the knowledge gained from the Department of Animal Science.

Bogle Family - Friend of the Department

Bob and Marilyn Bogle and the entire Bogle family have been long-time supporters of the University of Arkansas. They have been committed to the support of excellence in academics and athletics on the UA campus. Eight members of the Bogle family have graduated from the University of Arkansas including Bob Bogle, David Bogle, Bob and Becky Alexander, Dr. James and Ann McKenzie, Ben Bogle, and Erin Easley.

In addition to their support of Bumpers College and the Department of Animal Science, the Bogle's are life members of the Arkansas Alumni Association, members of the Chancellor's Society, and are recognized as "Thoroughreds" for their consecutive years of giving to the university.

Their support is also evidenced by the Bob and Marilyn Bogle Academic Center, an endowed gymnastics scholarship, the Bev Lewis Center, and the George Billingsley Tennis Center. They have also supported the renovation and expansion of Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium and Baum Stadium. In May 2008, Bogle Park, one of the nation's premier softball facilities, was officially dedicated.