Craig Bacon to lead department of food science
May 14, 2026
By Mollie Pratt
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts
- Craig Bacon, Ph.D., will start as food science department head May 15
- 35-year career in food production, including Tyson Foods and Simmons Foods
- Will focus on a culture of innovation and collaboration, building a strong team
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FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — After a 35-year career in food production, Craig Bacon is bringing his love of teaching and research to the University of Arkansas as its next food science department head.
From guiding teams through new product development processes to encouraging students across the country to consider food as a career, Bacon plans to bring his industry perspective to the role, which begins May 15.
“I was looking for an opportunity to stay involved with young learners interested in a career in food science,” Bacon said. “Teaching is at the core of what I always wanted to do.”
As department head, Bacon said he will work to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration while advancing research, building a strong team focused on student development and strengthening partnerships with industry and community stakeholders.
The department is part of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture and the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas.
Jean-François Meullenet, director of the Division of Agriculture’s research arm, the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station, has known Bacon since early in both of their careers.
“Dr. Bacon has led research and development at two major companies through periods of significant growth and change, demonstrating exceptional vision, strategic leadership and a strong commitment to innovation,” Meullenet said. “I am especially excited to have his perspectives for elevating our food science program to even greater national prominence and strengthening its impact in research, education and industry engagement.”
Bacon said he also wants to build on existing relationships with other department heads to help students think more broadly about their careers, highlighting the interconnected nature of food science, animal science, poultry science and meat science.
“The strength of the University of Arkansas isn’t just one program,” Bacon said. “It’s the ability to work collaboratively across all disciplines.”
That collaborative approach, Bacon said, is critical to preparing students for a workforce where demand for food scientists continues to outpace the number of graduates entering the field.
“There are four to five job opportunities for every food science graduate,” Bacon said. “There are way more jobs available than we’re turning out food scientists to fill them.”
Bacon added that the future of food science depends on students and that he plans to emphasize student recruitment in his new role.
“At the end of the day, the goal is to prepare students for meaningful careers,” Bacon said. “That’s how you influence the future of food science.”
Bumpers College Dean Jeff Edwards said Bacon’s blend of industry experience and commitment to student success is a big win for the college.
"Dr. Bacon brings a unique and valuable industry perspective that will directly benefit our students as they prepare for careers in food science,” Edwards said. “He has been a long-time champion and supporter of our program, consistently investing his time to recruit, mentor and connect students with real opportunities.”
Building spaces for innovation
As plans move forward for the new Center of Excellence for Food Science and Innovation, Bacon also brings valuable experience in creating spaces that support applied learning, research and industry engagement.
Making the building functional and collaborative is just as important as the work that happens inside it, and how you design and lay out a space can shape how teams work together, Bacon said.
During his time with both Tyson Foods and Simmons Foods, Bacon helped oversee two major building projects, the Tyson Discovery Center and Simmons’ Science and Culinary Center, each designed to strengthen cooperation and innovation.
Deacue Fields, head of the Division of Agriculture, said Bacon’s leadership experience and strong industry connections will be invaluable as the new food science building is constructed and put into operation.
“Dr. Bacon has unique credentials that make him the ideal selection for the food science department head,” Fields said. “He has a tremendous passion and appreciation for our faculty’s research and outreach efforts, as well as a natural drive to guide students to successful careers in the food industry.”
Delivering transformative results
Bacon’s career started with Oscar Mayer as a research scientist in 1990. He went on to join Tyson, where he spent 27 years in various research and development roles, eventually becoming the senior vice president of research and development.
While at Tyson, he led one of the company’s most significant periods of innovation and growth. He oversaw a $50 million annual research and development budget and directed nearly 300 professionals focused on product development, food safety and performance optimization across the organization.
He joined Simmons Foods in 2017 as senior vice president of technical services, leading teams responsible for delivering safe, high-quality and innovative poultry and pet food products. He led a multidisciplinary team of more than 200 professionals, guiding cross‑functional collaboration across research and development, quality and operations to support product innovation and continuous improvement.
John D. Anderson, director of the Cooperative Extension Service, the outreach arm of the Division of Agriculture, complimented Bacon’s applied research efforts that have had direct and significant impacts on the agriculture industry over the years.
“His experience in delivering transformative results to stakeholders will translate directly from industry to his new role at the University of Arkansas,” Anderson said. “I look forward to seeing the impact of the food science department on the ag and food industry in Arkansas under his leadership, and I’m excited to have someone of his caliber joining the team.”
Throughout his career, Bacon has been heavily involved in industry organizations, serving in a variety of leadership roles, including the American Meat Science Association board, National FFA Sponsor Board, the U.S. Poultry and Egg Foundation Research Advisory Council and chairman of the Certified Hereford Beef Board of Directors. He was inducted into the Meat Industry Hall of Fame earlier this year.
Bacon earned his Bachelor of Science in agricultural education from the University of Missouri. He then obtained both his master’s degree and Ph.D. in food technology and science from the University of Tennessee.
To learn more about ag and food research in Arkansas, visit aaes.uada.edu. Follow the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station on LinkedIn and sign up for our monthly newsletter, the Arkansas Agricultural Research Report. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 22 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three system campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
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Media Contact:
Mollie Pratt
U of A Division of Agriculture
Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station
(479) 502-9716
mpratt@uada.edu