William Benjy Mikel

HIGHLIGHTS

Education:
B.S. from Auburn in Agriscience Education, M.S. & Ph.D. from Mississippi State University

Graduation:
1983

Current Position:
Chief Business Development Officer- John R. White Co.

Current Location:
Louisville, KY

WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES? 

William seeks out and develops new business opportunities in the food processing industry.

awards:

American Meat Science Association- Signal service/ follows award

Distinguished Industry/ Extension Service Award

Achievement Award

Auburn Outstanding Faculty Award

University of Kentucky Extension Teamwork Award

LIFE AFTER GRADUATION:

After leaving Auburn with a bachelor’s degree, I attended Mississippi State and obtained master’s and doctorate degrees in food science. I then returned to Auburn in 1988 as the Extension food scientist in nutrition and food sciences and then in the ADS depts. After 8 1/2 years, I left for the University of Kentucky as the Extension meat scientist in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences. In 2005, I became department head of Food Science at Mississippi State University and later served as the associate vice president of International Programs and executive director of the International Institute and have traveled to over 24 countries over the last 30 years. In 2013, I pursued a life-long dream to work in the industry as a technical consultant and finally accepted my current position with John R. White in November 2015. I have served as president of the American Meat Science Association, Phi Tau Sigma, the American College of Animal Sciences and the Southern Region Agricultural Department Heads. My wife, Linda, and I have one son, Ryan, who is pursuing his education at New York University.

FAVORITE  AUBURN MEMORY:

As a student, I enjoyed the Block & Bridle events at Conway’s Pig Parlor. As a faculty member, I loved the Taste of Alabama tailgate program at Ag Roundup each year.