CHICAGO – Dr. Russell Cross, professor and head of the Department of Animal Science, has been named a Fellow of the Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) in recognition of his exemplary professionalism in the field of food science.

The award was presented during the Institute of Food Technologists’ annual meeting held in Chicago July 11-14, 2015.

To be named an IFT Fellow is a unique professional distinction given to individuals with outstanding and extraordinary qualifications and experience for their contributions to the food science and technology field. The nominee must be a professional member of IFT and have been in active practice of the profession for at least 15 years, according to the IFT website.

Cross’s experience as an academician, food research scientist, research supervisor, industry chief executive officer, administrator of the Food Safety Inspection Service of the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, and executive vice president of Texas A&M University allowed him to confront major issues in the meat industry and make significant changes for the betterment of both consumers and the industry. His knowledge is greatly valued by professionals in the meat industry, at regulatory agencies and in academia. He has successfully implemented changes within the food system that continue to influence education, farm practices, meat inspection and grading, meat industry procedures and consumer safety.

-30-

For more information regarding news from the Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Texas A&M University, please contact Courtney Coufal at cacoufal@tamu.edu or (979) 845-1542.