The University of Tennessee has announced a $3.2 million gift from alumni Donald and Terry Smith to establish an endowed chair in its Institute of Agriculture (UTIA).

The new faculty member will work to advance science-based agricultural solutions to the problem of global hunger and further develop international programs within UTIA's four units —the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, UT AgResearch, UT Extension, and the College of Veterinary Medicine. UTIA has ongoing international agricultural projects in Africa, Europe, South America, and Southeast Asia.

The CEO of Arkansas-based Tyson Foods, Donald Smith earned an undergraduate degree in animal science from UT's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Terry, his wife, is a graduate of the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.

"We have long recognized the need for global partnerships, and the Institute has exciting and meaningful work already underway with partners around the world," said UTIA chancellor Larry Arrington. "The Smith Endowed Chair will take us to the next level in international partnerships relative to agricultural issues and providing solutions that help feed the world."