[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 156 (Thursday, December 2, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S8394]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       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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