UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — R. Michael Hulet, associate professor of poultry science and extension poultry specialist in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, received the 2017 Distinguished Service Award from PennAg Industries Association at the group's annual dinner March 21.
In its recognition, PennAg Industries called Hulet a true friend of agriculture, honoring him for his strong leadership throughout his career.
"Dr. Hulet is a legendary ambassador of the Pennsylvania poultry industry. He has worked to support and promote the poultry industry and has led by example," said Chris Herr, executive vice president of the association.
"His working relationships with representatives in the poultry industry, as well as at the college with the students and his colleagues, have been of tremendous value to all who had the honor of working with him over the years. Mike is a man of few words, but his work has had a profound impact on the Pennsylvania poultry industry."
Hulet has been a poultry specialist for meat birds at Penn State since 1993. In his current position, he is primary instructor and organizer of poultry production and management courses.
The primary focus of Hulet's work has been the development of educational and applied research programs, with emphasis on incubation and hatchability, as well as poultry production management and environmental issues. Working collaboratively with others in the industry and at Penn State, he has conducted successful educational programs for hatchery workshops and meetings, regional game-bird breeders and shooting preserve conferences, and poultry industry symposia.
A native of Utah, Hulet received his bachelor's and master's degrees in animal science from Brigham Young University and his doctoral degree in poultry science from Texas A&M University. Prior to joining the Penn State faculty, he served for 12 years as an extension turkey specialist for Virginia Tech University.
Hulet noted that he appreciates the recognition from PennAg Industries and acknowledged that the association has helped create a climate for him to succeed.
"No achievement is made without the teamwork of many contributors," he said. "The environment in Pennsylvania that allowed the close collaboration among academia, industry and government in solving problems is unique and allowed our team to make significant contributions to the poultry industry. I appreciate PennAg's support and coordination of many of these activities."
Terry Etherton, head of Penn State's Department of Animal Science, noted that it is gratifying to see Hulet honored by PennAg Industries. "The award recognizes the many outstanding contributions he makes regularly to the poultry industry, both within Pennsylvania and across the country," he said. "I congratulate him on this significant achievement and thank him for the excellence he brings to our department."
Hulet has been a speaker at more than 30 professional meetings nationally and internationally, and he has authored or co-authored articles in scientific and trade journals. He also co-advised student poultry tours to the Netherlands, Germany and Spain.
In 2016, Hulet was named a Fellow of the Poultry Science Association, the highest recognition that organization bestows upon a member. He received the Phibro Animal Health Poultry Science Extension Award from PSA in 2010.