The University of Tennessee Honors John H. McLeod with Food Science Building Naming
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Members of the McLeod family and University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture leadership came together on Saturday, November 8, for the official naming of the “John H. McLeod Food Science Building.”
Born in 1877, John H. McLeod dedicated 36 years of service to the University of Tennessee, holding key leadership positions as vice director, acting director, and director of both the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Agricultural Extension Service. From 1948 to 1957, he served as dean of what was then known as the College of Agriculture.
“Dr. John McLeod contributed much to the early growth of the College of Agriculture, the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Agricultural Extension Service, as they were known at the time, and he was a leader who cared about helping people from all walks of life,” says Rob Williams, head of the Department of Food Science.
McLeod started his UT career in 1921 as a swine specialist, establishing the cooperative Extension-TVA Test Demonstration Program in the 1930’s. His expertise in agricultural economics and program planning garnered widespread recognition. McLeod made a lasting impact on Tennessee farming through his knowledge of the state’s agricultural landscape and passion for Extension.
Upon his retirement, the university honored him with the title Dean Emeritus for his contributions and service. After his formal retirement, McLeod served four years abroad in a UT Agriculture program in India teaching farmers effective methods for increasing their rice production.
“Dr. McLeod left a legacy characterized by many improvements in agricultural practices around the world, commitment to science and education, and the development of those he led. It is an honor to have the McLeod name associated with food science,” says Williams.
McLeod passed away in 1977, but his memory lives on in how he helped shape what is now the Herbert College of Agriculture.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of teaching, research and outreach, the Institute touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond. utia.tennessee.edu.