The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“TRIBUTE TO DR. MILO SHULT” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Senate section on pages S8394 on Dec. 2, 2010.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO DR. MILO SHULT
Mr. PRYOR. Mr. President, today I honor an Arkansan for his contribution to Arkansas and our Nation. Dr. Milo Shult served as vice president of the University of Arkansas's Division of Agriculture for the past 18 years, improving living conditions for many Arkansans and Americans. After so many years of service, he has decided to step down from his position and move to the next chapter of his life. He leaves behind a positive, lasting legacy. While he is stepping down from his current position with the university, he will undoubtedly continue to play an active role in promoting agriculture and enhancing the lives of Americans.
The Division of Agriculture at the University of Arkansas, which was headed by Dr. Shult, plays an integral role in improving the lives of individuals all over the State and Nation through its work on campus and in the field. The mission of the division is to enrich the lives of neighbors by drawing on what is learned from research and using outreach skills. They meet this mission by maintaining a strong presence throughout Arkansas, which is critical given the importance of agriculture to our economy and way of life. Agriculture contributes 12 percent of Arkansas's gross State product and is responsible for more than one in every six jobs in the State. We are proud to be ranked in the top 25 among States in the production of 24 agricultural commodities, and we rank in the top 5 for rice, broilers, upland cotton, cottonseed, catfish, turkeys, and sweet potatoes.
Becoming such a successful and diverse agriculture State requires an active research and extension service that is innovative and resourceful. Dr. Shult developed a solid division system that currently employs cooperative extension faculty in all 75 counties; agricultural experiment station scientists and extension specialists on 5 university campuses and at 5 research and extension centers; and support personnel at 8 research stations. These employees provide Arkansans with informational resources related to agriculture production and processing; environment, energy and climate; family and youth programs; access to safe and nutritious foods; and community development. These resources serve as tools to positively impact lives and communities in Arkansas and make our Nation and world better.
While vice president of the Division of Agriculture, Dr. Shult exhibited excellent leadership ability moving the division forward. Dr. Shult possessed exemplary skill in working with stakeholders and building relationships while executing the division's programs consistent with its mission. The division grew and prospered under his leadership, and it stands poised to meet the many challenges and needs of the 21st century. During his tenure, Dr. Shult oversaw the development of over $72 million in new construction and facility upgrades, including new construction or improvements to every Research Station and Research and Extension Center across the State. Today these facilities are state of the art and the envy of other States and nations. With Dr. Shult at the helm, the division kept with the times and always planned for the future by turning challenges into opportunity. He leaves behind an improved division and an improved State with a vision of where it needs to go to meet future challenges.
While I and others will certainly miss Dr. Shult's work at the division, I am excited to know he will remain active in agriculture research, extension and education. Dr. Shult was recently appointed to the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education and Economics Advisory Board. In this position, Dr. Shult will advise the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture and land-grant colleges and universities on top national priorities and policies for food and agricultural research, education, extension, and economics. This is a huge compliment to Dr. Shult and is a result of his efforts at the University of Arkansas. He will provide outstanding leadership on the board, and I am sure he will bring a unique perspective that is needed and desired.
Dr. Milo Shult is an inspiration and a proven leader of people and organizations. He is a family man with many friends and associates. I have enjoyed working with him in my capacity as U.S. Senator, and I know the entire Arkansas congressional delegation is appreciative of his kindness and genuine efforts. His passion, leadership, and influence greatly increased the readiness and effectiveness of the University of Arkansas's Division of Agriculture. I appreciate his service to the people of Arkansas, and I wish him well in his continued service to our country.
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