Thomas, Waldrip Named Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness Alumni Award Winners

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Allison Thomas and Mark Waldrip

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. -- Allison A. Thomas and Mark Waldrip have been named as the 2014 outstanding alumni for the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agribusiness in the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas.

Thomas and Waldrip are being recognized for demonstrating a standard of excellence throughout their careers.

Thomas, a senior administrator at the United States Department of Agriculture's Foreign Agriculture Service, is this year's Young Alumnus, and Waldrip, a member of the UA Board of Trustee member, successful business owner and accomplished community leader, has been named the Distinguished Alumnus.

An awards ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24 in Hembree Auditorium. The ceremony will be followed by a reception on the Maudine Sanders Plaza and Hawkins Family Terrace.

Thomas, of Washington, D.C., is the chief of staff for the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service. She focuses on strategic policy and coordination between senior USDA management and employees, external government agencies and U.S. agriculture stakeholders. In addition, she ensures day-to-day management and operations of the agency flow well.  

A 1999 master's graduate in agricultural economics, she began her career with the Foreign Agriculture Service as a summer intern while completing graduate school at the U of A. 

"The study abroad program experience through the University of Arkansas broadened my perspective on international and global issues, and created a pathway for my career," said Thomas.

Waldrip, of Moro, is owner of East Arkansas Seeds Inc. and Armor Seed LLC, companies that develop and market soybeans, wheat, rice and corn to a dealer network within 12 southern states. He also owns and manages Waldrip Lands LLC, a diversified agricultural real estate company.  

Other business interests include Integrity Grain Brokerage LLC, East Arkansas Equipment Co. and Edmark Sonic Restaurants.  

Waldrip earned his bachelor's degree in 1977 in agricultural economics and agribusiness. On the UA Board of Trustees he serves as chairman of the Audit Committee and the Athletic Committee.  

"The personal associations that I made in Fayetteville have been invaluable to me in my professional pursuits," said Waldrip. 

In addition to his business success, he has consistently demonstrated a willingness to serve and provide vital leadership to numerous community and civic organizations. His distinguished leadership includes service on the board of directors of Farm Credit Mid-South, Agriculture Development Council, Arkansas Agriculture Board, Arkansas State Plant Board and the Lee County Airport Commission.