KatieRose McCullough, a former animal and food science undergraduate student, was recently elected President of the Meat Foundation. McCullough is an animal and food science department alumna and will serve as president and chief scientist of the Meat Foundation, marking the next phase in the organization’s continued development.
'My time at Texas Tech University, and especially in the Davis College and animal and food science department, was truly pivotal to who I am today.'
McCullough previously served as chief scientist for the Meat Foundation and will continue to serve as senior director for science and public health at the Meat Institute. A longtime champion of the Foundation’s mission, she has worked with the Foundation for years to advance initiatives that support student scholarships and fund critical research in food safety, animal welfare, nutrition, worker safety and environmental sustainability.
“KatieRose encourages others and makes sure even the hardest tasks are fun,” said Moriah Beyers, former wool judging coach and now assistant director of academic advising & retention instructor. “These traits have made her an excellent leader in the industry.”
McCullough said these strengths were developed through her academic and hands-on experiences at Davis College, and that they not only prepared her for her career, but helped her discover her purpose.
“My time at Texas Tech University, and especially in the Davis College and animal and food science department, was truly pivotal to who I am today,” McCullough said. “The education, mentorship, and hands-on experiences I gained there shaped my confidence, leadership skills, and commitment to science-based decision-making.”
Reflecting on McCullough’s time in the Animal and Food Science Department, Beyers said her impact extended far beyond judging teams. She was a part of the wool, livestock, meat, and meat evaluation, and meat science quiz bowl judging teams in the department.
“Her team won the National Western Stock Show and San Antonio Stock Show contests,” Beyers said. “There is no doubt KatieRose and others on this team pushed one another to be the best version of themselves and encouraged one another to dream big starting freshman year. It is extremely impressive the accomplishments she and her teammates have achieved in their careers.”
Building on many past and present accomplishments, Beyers also recognized KatieRose’s dedication and growth throughout her time at Texas Tech.
“I am extremely proud of KatieRose and her commitment to distinction in everything she does,” Beyers said. “It started with a wool judging team during her freshman year and continued throughout other teams at Texas Tech University. She is an excellent representative of the type of professional the Davis College and judging program strive to produce.”
CONTACT: Chance Brooks, Chair and Professor, Department of Animal & Food Sciences, Texas Tech University at (806) 742-2808 or chance.brooks@ttu.edu
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