Smithfield Foods, Inc., has announced that Stewart Leeth, vice president of regulatory affairs and chief sustainability officer, has been named as a member of the North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University's Board of Visitors. In this role, Leeth will assist the Board of Trustees and chancellor to achieve the university's mission and strategic priorities.
North Carolina A&T is a public, research-based university in Greensboro, N.C. The Board of Visitors, a volunteer service organization separate from the university, aids the Board of Trustees and advises the chancellor on matters related to enhancing the university. Board members serve as North Carolina A&T ambassadors to garner resources, engage alumni and shape the university's long-term goals. Through their service, board members help the university achieve excellence in all educational, research and outreach programs while fostering a climate of economic competitiveness for students entering the global society.
"I am grateful for this opportunity to leverage my professional experiences to expand opportunities for N.C. A&T," said Leeth. "I look forward to working with fellow Board of Visitors members to foster the university's growth, helping to further students' preparation and readiness for successful careers."
As a company, Smithfield also supports North Carolina A&T and works to create bright futures for its students through the Smithfield Foundation, the company's philanthropic wing. Through the foundation, Smithfield provides academic scholarships to ten schools across the country including N.C. A&T. This scholarship program is available to the dependent children and grandchildren of full-time and retired Smithfield employees. Leeth serves as the vice president of the Smithfield Foundation.
At Smithfield, Leeth leads company-wide regulatory initiatives and directs its robust sustainability program. This program focuses on animal welfare, employee relations, environmental stewardship, food safety and quality, and community development. He is also responsible for legal affairs for Smithfield's hog production division. Leeth is a graduate of the University of Richmond School of Law and earned a bachelor of arts degree in international studies from the University of Richmond.
