Cui named area farm management specialist for UT extension

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — University of Tennessee extension recently welcomed Iris Cui as the newest area farm management specialist for Benton, Cheatham, Dickson, Henry, Houston, Humphreys, Montgomery, Robertson, Steward and Sumner counties.

Using the latest farm financial planning software, Cui will assist families with confidential, intensive analyses of their farming operations. Working alongside county agents, she will develop comprehensive farm and financial management educational programs for Tennessee’s MANAGE Program using workshops, seminars and individual farm visits in these counties.

Originally from China, Cui graduated in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine. A one-year internship at a horse farm in Lexington, Ky., cultivated her love for horse racing and enhanced her understanding of the equine industry. Following the internship, she earned her master’s degree in agricultural economics from the University of Kentucky.

She has since worked as an agricultural economist for a commodity exchange that traded agricultural derivatives including industrial hemp and organic grains. Her interests also include risk management and alternative agricultural production.

Boren gifts $1 Million to Huntington University

HUNTINGTON, Ind. — Huntington University announced it has received a $1 million gift from Leland E. Boren of Upland, Ind. The gift will support continued academic program growth in the Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies and other initiatives described in Faith Forward 2022, HU’s strategic plan.

“A gift of this magnitude enables Huntington University to remain strong as an institution focused on educating and equipping men and women to make an impact in this world for Christ,” said Dr. Sherilyn Emberton, HU president.

Boren currently serves as chair and CEO of Avis Industrial Corp., a parent company of 11 wholly-owned subsidiaries located in the United States, Mexico, Canada and United Kingdom. He is also president of PHD, Inc., with manufacturing operations in Fort Wayne and Huntington, as well as Germany.

Boren’s specific interest in the Haupert Institute for Agricultural Studies stems from his personal experience as a farmer. In 1965, the Borens established LeLaLo Farms in Upland and also maintain cattle operations in Rush Springs, Okla. For 50 years these farms have been active in nature preservation and crop and animal production. Boren was also an instrumental donor for Huntington University’s Ware Crop Science Production Facility.

“I believe in the mission of Huntington University and have confidence in Dr. Emberton as she leads the University into great success in the years ahead,” said Boren.

Boren and his late wife, LaRita, have been longtime supporters of Christian higher education to help train the next generation of business, community and church leaders. In recognition of their support for higher education across the state, both were selected as members of the Indiana Academy sponsored by the Independent Colleges of Indiana (ICI). LaRita was inducted in 2008; Leland in 2011. Each received numerous honorary doctorates from both public and private Indiana universities.