AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn alumnus and USDA Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics Dr. Scott Hutchins will return to the Plains on Saturday, Dec. 12, to address more than 3,000 graduates during the university’s fall commencement ceremonies in Neville Arena.
As the USDA’s chief scientist, Hutchins leads the research and innovation that actively solves and addresses some of the nation’s most important agricultural challenges, from helping farmers improve productivity to strengthening the nation’s food systems. Drawing on more than three decades of experience in agricultural research, industry and public service, Hutchins’ career has focused on translating scientific discovery into solutions for agriculture and our nation’s food systems.
“We are honored to welcome a distinguished alum like Dr. Hutchins back to Auburn to deliver our fall commencement address,” Auburn University President Christopher B. Roberts said. “His leadership is shaping the future of America’s agriculture and our nation’s food systems, and his experience in public service, science and industry offers a valuable perspective for our graduates.”
In his current role, Hutchins oversees all services within the USDA’s Research, Education and Economics Mission Area, which brings together programs that impact nearly every part of American agriculture and the nation’s food supply. With a portfolio of programs that range from advancing agricultural research and education to improving data collection, environmental stewardship, food safety and nutrition, Hutchins advances critical research that influences industry decisions for farmers, businesses and policymakers.
Hutchins led the development of the USDA Science Blueprint, which established the department’s priorities for scientific research. He also advanced the U.S. Agriculture Innovation Strategy as a long-term roadmap of discovery goals for the public- and private-sector to advance science and technologies focused on genome design, digital and automation, prescriptive intervention, and systems-based farm management.
Prior to his time with USDA, Hutchins spent over 30 years in the private sector, leading seeds and crop protection portfolios and innovation management forums that continue to support the agricultural industry by promoting food security, sustainability, and farmer success. Hutchins is a past president of the Entomological Society of America, serving in 2007, and was elected a Fellow in 2009 and Honorary Member in 2019.
“It’s a true honor to return to Auburn University, the community where I developed my passion for science and recognized the critical importance and fragility of agriculture and food systems,” Hutchins said. “This institution has provided me a solid foundation as a researcher, entomologist, and ultimately a public servant who now has the honor to serve U.S. farmers and ranchers.”
After receiving his undergraduate degree in entomology from Auburn, Hutchins earned his master’s degree at Mississippi State University and a PhD at Iowa State University. He currently holds an adjunct professorship with the Department of Entomology at the University of Nebraska and is a Board-Certified Entomologist.
Hutchins will deliver commencement addresses at all three commencement ceremonies scheduled for 9 a.m. CST, 2 p.m. CST and 7 p.m. CST. Tickets are required for all ceremonies and must be reserved by graduates in advance. For additional information, visit the commencement website or follow Auburn University's commencement Facebook and Instagram channels.
For questions, email commencement@auburn.edu.
