Food scientist named outstanding alumnus
UA’s Bumpers College to honor Riceland Vice President for Research Don McCaskill
May 9, 2006Contact Information:
Howell Medders, 479-575-5647, hmedders@uark.edu
Don McCaskill of Stuttgart, Riceland Foods Vice President for Research, is the 2006 Outstanding Alumnus of Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Don R. McCaskill of Stuttgart, Riceland Foods vice president for research, has been named the 2006 Outstanding Alumnus of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas.
Dean Greg Weidemann will present the award at the Bumpers College commencement program May 13 at the Pauline Whitaker Animal Science Center.
“Don has made a difference for Arkansas farmers and the state’s economy as a leader in developing ways to add value to crops by further processing,” Weidemann said. “He also is a loyal alumnus who has provided valuable service to Bumpers College and the University.”
McCaskill has a B.S. degree in agriculture and a master’s degree in food science from the U of A. He joined Riceland Foods in Stuttgart as manager of rice research and development in 1981, became director of research and development with technical responsibility for all Riceland products in 1996, and was named vice president for research in 2001.
Weidemann said McCaskill was instrumental in development of a patented rice parboiling process; the creation of new rice-based consumer, foodservice and food ingredient products; and development of markets for rice bran oil.
As a University of Arkansas student, McCaskill was president of the Agricultural Students Association and received the ASA Senior Leadership Award. He was inducted into Alpha Zeta, Gamma Sigma Delta, and Omicron Delta Kappa honor societies and was named Outstanding Senior in Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity.
McCaskill helped organize the Bumpers College Alumni Society as a charter member of the board of directors. He is a member of the Institute of Food Science and Engineering Advisory Board and has served on the UA Agricultural Development Council.
McCaskill has long served on the board of directors of the Ozark Food Processors Association and has been president and vice president twice. He is a member of the Institute of Food Technologists, the American Association of Cereal Chemists International, American Oil Chemists Society, and the Institute of Shortening and Edible Oils.
He has served in leadership roles for the Arkansas Biosciences Institute, Arkansas Biotechnology Association, National Food Processors Association, Riceland Foods Foundation Board of Directors and Grant Review Committee, USA Rice Federation Technology Task Force, and the 2001 Southern Governors Association Committee on Research, Development and Technology.
Born and raised in rural Howard County near Dierks, McCaskill met his wife of 36 years, Linda King McCaskill (BSE and Med. from UA and J.D. from UALR), at the U of A. They have two daughters, Wynne McCaskill Waddell of Cave Springs and Ashlee McCaskill of Ithaca, NY, and one granddaughter, Emma Waddell of Cave Springs.