"By his example, Dr. Keeton taught us that service is important whether you are in a leadership position or not."

During his 30 years of service to Texas A&M University Dr. Keeton held many  academic positons like Professor and Texas AgriLife Fellow, Interim Department Head (Nutrition and Food Science), and Department Head (Nutrition and Food Science). As Department Head he served in a dual capacity as Interim Head of Poultry Science.  In every role, he took the time to develop a personal interest in individual students and encourage them as they grew in the profession.

"From my perspective," offers Dr. Wes Osburn, a colleague and former student, "he carried out his leadership responsibilities as a true humble servant... giving credit to others when things went well. Without question, I learned how to become a better leader under his guidance. By his example, Dr. Keeton taught us that service is important, whether you are in a leadership position or not."

He has served in many positions in AMSA including President Elect, President and Past-President (1997-2000), 45^th RMC Chairman (1992), Board of Directors (1990-92) and numerous AMSA committees. He also was a member of and served as an officer and/or committee chair/member in the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS), Institute of Food Technologists (IFT), Federation of Animal Science Societies (FASS), Gamma Sigma Delta, Phi Tau Sigma and Sigma Xi.  Dr. Keeton has received awards and professional recognition including the AMSA Meat Processing Award (1993), President’s Award (1999) and the Signal Service Award (2001). 

Dr. Keeton also is known for mentoring his students in conducting high integrity scientific research. Here again, he led by example: over 80 peer reviewed journal articles, 94 abstracts, 35 symposia proceedings, 19 Texas AgriLife Research publications, 31 trade publication articles, and 14 book chapters, on processed meat formulation, production, quality and safety.

Dr. Jimmy T. Keeton was born December 12, 1946, and raised on a family farm in Parsons, TN. Retired, he now resides in Newbern, TN, with his wife Jo.

Continuing the Legacy

In keeping with his innovative spirit, Jimmy Keeton desires that the proceeds from this mentor fund will spearhead the development of the Innovation Fund. This part of the AMSA Educational Foundation:

• helps launch new high impact programs
• grows new programs to self-sufficiency
• equips students with leadership training
• underwrites responses to urgent research or media issues
• lets AMSA respond nimbly to new opportunities