A Mississippi State University alumnus has been tapped to serve in a high-level government position.
On Monday, President Donald J. Trump announced his intention to appoint Scott Hutchins as under secretary of agriculture for research, education and economics at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Hutchins received a master’s degree in entomology from MSU in 1983. President Trump’s nomination now awaits confirmation by the Senate Agriculture Committee and U.S. Senate.
In his new position, Hutchins will oversee the National Institute for Food and Agriculture, Economic Research Service, National Agricultural Statistics Service and the Agricultural currently serves as global leader of integrated field sciences for Corteva Agriscience. He also serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Nebraska. He is a past president of the Entomological Society of America.
In addition to his MSU master’s, Hutchins holds a bachelor’s from Auburn University and a doctorate from Iowa State University, both in entomology.
A request for an interview with Hutchins was denied by the USDA.
Mississippi State was among the top 20 colleges and universities receiving USDA research funding in fiscal year 2016. The agency has been a significant research partner of the university for decades.
“We would like to congratulate Dr. Hutchins on his nomination, and we look forward to continuing our strong partnerships with the U.S. Department of Agriculture,” said MSU Vice President for Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine Greg Bohach.