Fresh out of high school, David Caldwell never envisioned a career in poultry science, but was honored by the Poultry Science Society as a Fellow for his contributions to the field of poultry science and service to the organization. .

A native of Texas, he grew up in a small farming community in Taylor and was involved in FFA. Caldwell had broilers and laying hens, but wasn’t sure his future was in poultry farming.

“I didn’t go out of high school totally obsessed with poultry science,” says Caldwell, director of the Poultry Science Research Center and head of the Poultry Science Division. “I actually started my career as an undergraduate at Texas A&M University, majoring in wildlife biology.”

During his second semester at Texas A&M, Caldwell decided to switch majors after noticing that his chosen major had a low job placement rate.

“I walked across the campus where the agriculture major was housed. That afternoon I became a poultry science major,” Caldwell said. increase.”

After graduating from Texas A&M in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in poultry science, Caldwell completed his graduate degree.

“Working in the lab as an undergraduate and graduate student, I developed an appreciation and a keen interest in research,” said Caldwell. “That really led me down the path to academia and eventually becoming a faculty member.”

He graduated from Texas A&M in 1997 with an M.A. and Ph.D. in veterinary microbiology. Shortly after his graduation, Caldwell enrolled in his alma mater’s poultry department.

“I was really nervous about joining as an assistant professor, but I enjoyed that aptitude,” Caldwell said. I enjoyed conducting research that gave

The Poultry Science Association has played a major role in Caldwell’s professional development and career success. He joined the organization in his 1991 as a college student and the organization has been a resource for him ever since.

“In 2008, I received what was then called the Land O’ Lakes/Purina Mills Teaching Award from the Poultry Science Association,” says Caldwell. “Teaching has always been very important to my career. I will never forget winning that award.”

Caldwell also served as General Director of the PSA from 2009-2012, was elected to the Executive Committee in 2013, and served as President of the organization from 2015-2016. In addition to all his accomplishments and services with PSA, Caldwell was inaugurated as a PSA Fellow at his 2022 Annual Meeting in July.

“The highest honor that can be given to a member of the Poultry Science Society is to be named a PSA Fellow,” said 2022 Poultry Science Society President Karen Schwain Lardner. “David Caldwell has made a great contribution to the Society in the time he has been given, serving on the Board of Directors, Commissions, etc. He is also a distinguished scientist and student I am working on my education.”

Caldwell said he was surprised by the award.

“It wasn’t until I attended the PSA’s annual meeting in Canada in 1995 that I realized I had a fellow in the Hall of Fame,” said Caldwell. “It made me realize how much it means to them to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. It wasn’t what I expected, but I’m very honored. It means a lot to me.”

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Caldwell recognized by the PSA.Dr. Dean of Agriculture, U of A System Division of Agriculture, Director of Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, Interim Dean of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. “I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this honor. Congratulations!”

Founded in 1908, the Poultry Science Association is a professional organization of approximately 2,000 educators, scientists, extension professionals, industry researchers, managers, producers, and university students committed to the development of the poultry industry. is.