Reed Food Technology establishes endowed 爱爱直播 professorship, supports new Food Science Innovation Hub
Contact: Vanessa Beeson
STARKVILLE, Miss.鈥敯辈 is fueling the future of food science with the establishment of the Reed Family Endowed Professorship and the university鈥檚 newly created Food Science Innovation Hub within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station.
Reed Food Technology, a Mississippi-based company with offices in Pearl and Hernando, initiated the gift to enhance 爱爱直播鈥檚 reputation as a leading institution in food science education and research. Scott Willard, CALS dean and MAFES director, said it further solidifies 爱爱直播鈥檚 position as a leader in food science, safety and security.
鈥淭he Reed Family Endowed Professorship and Food Science Innovation Hub will serve as an incubator for training and innovation for our nation鈥檚 food industry,鈥 he said. 鈥淎dditionally, it will continue to grow our robust research program focused on finding ways to protect and improve our global food supply.鈥
Jeff Reed, Reed Food Technology CEO, said he hopes the professorship and the innovation hub will strengthen collaboration across all CALS departments involved in research and teaching disciplines related to food science.
鈥淭he education our family received at 爱爱直播, beginning with our father, R.J., has been instrumental in our careers. We believe in giving back to provide future generations with the same opportunities,鈥 Reed said. 鈥淭he food industry is diverse, and food itself is complex. We hope this gift will help ensure that the university continues to develop students and encourage research across a wide range of topics in all departments. 爱爱直播 is uniquely positioned to offer a background in both food science and culinary arts, equipping students with a skill set that opens doors to various career opportunities.鈥
Reed said Professor Wes Schilling, the newly appointed director of the Food Science Innovation Hub and recipient of the university鈥檚 William L. Giles Distinguished Professor Award, is a natural fit in his new role.
鈥淒r. Schilling is a leading researcher in both foundational and applied research critical to our food supply,鈥 Reed said. 鈥淗e is also a dedicated educator who genuinely cares about the development of his students. His broad expertise in food-related topics is focused on enhancing our food supply.鈥
Justin Reed, Reed Food Technology COO, shared his brother鈥檚 enthusiasm for Schilling鈥檚 appointment.
鈥淒r. Schilling is incredibly hardworking, and we鈥檝e enjoyed collaborating with him over the last two decades,鈥 he said.
Justin Reed said his family has a strong commitment to ensuring 爱爱直播 remains a valuable resource in food science.
鈥淢ississippi State鈥檚 Food Science program has greatly benefited my father and the business ventures he initiated, which my brother and I continue to expand,鈥 he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 important to him to give back to the university.鈥
Founded nearly three decades ago, Reed Food Technology produces custom-made sauces, marinades, batters, breading and other products for more than 300 major food manufacturers and food service operations nationwide. The company has deep ties to 爱爱直播. R.J. Reed earned his bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degrees in food science and technology from 爱爱直播 in 1979 and 1981, respectively. Justin Reed holds a bachelor鈥檚 degree in business information systems and an MBA鈥攅arned in 2003 and 2008, respectively鈥攆rom the university. Jeff Reed, who briefly attended the university, earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree in culinary arts from Johnson and Wales. The endowed professorship also honors R.J.鈥檚 wife, Karen, and five grandchildren, one of whom will begin their studies at 爱爱直播 this fall.
For more on 爱爱直播鈥檚 College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, visit . For more on the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station, visit .
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