University of Arkansas’ Casey Owens Receives 2026 NOVUS Outstanding Teaching Award
TORONTO, Ontario (July 13, 2026)— Casey M. Owens, Ph.D., was named the recipient of the 2026 NOVUS Outstanding Teaching Award during an awards ceremony at the Poultry Science Association Annual Meeting in Toronto. Owens was recognized for her dedication to student success, innovative teaching methods and lasting contributions to poultry science education.
Through her position as professor of poultry science at the University of Arkansas, Owens is helping prepare the next generation of scientists and industry leaders through undergraduate and graduate-level courses in poultry science, food science, and animal science.
“This award is well-deserved, reflecting the significant impact Dr. Owens has had by bridging industry, academia, and research through her inspired teaching style and engagement across all ages and experiences,” says NOVUS Poultry Solutions Senior Manager for North America Lindsay Parker. “Dr. Owens’ passion for poultry extends from her interaction with students and allied groups to integrators and consumers. Her research around meat quality is likewise highly regarded and meaningful in advancing the poultry industry. NOVUS is honored to give Dr. Owens the recognition she has earned.”
Owens says her teaching philosophy centers on linking scientific theory to real-world applicationusing different approaches in the classroom and the lab.
“This approach engages diverse learners and helps students develop both technical knowledge and practical skills they can apply beyond the classroom,” she says. “I also purposely incorporate fun, creative elements into my courses, including interactive activities like gamified reviews, themed challenges like the ‘chicken sandwich tour,’ and even wearing chicken-related costumes like a rubber chicken or an egg. These efforts help keep students engaged, build a strong sense of classroom community.”
In addition to teaching, Owens conducts research focused on poultry meat quality. Her work evaluates how production and processing practices affect characteristics such as tenderness, water-holding capacity, color and sensory attributes. She also leads industry workshops on meat and egg processing, serves as undergraduate curriculum chair and academic advisor, and has mentored numerous students working toward their doctorate or master’s degrees throughout her career.
Owens credits two mentors from her time at Texas A&M University with helping shape her approach to education and research. She said Alan Sams, Ph.D., taught her the importance of applying scientific principles to industry-relevant challenges, while Rhonda Miller, Ph.D., inspired her use of creative, multi-modal teaching techniques that help students better understand complex scientific concepts.
Beyond the university, Owens is committed to inspiring young people to explore careers in agriculture. She hosts poultry product workshops, mentors high school students participating in agriscience fairs and helps students learn about opportunities within the poultry industry.
When asked what advice she would offer young people who are considering their future career, Owens is enthusiastic.
“My advice is to choose agriculture,” she says. “There are so many opportunities in agriculture that really make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. To be more specific, choose poultry! The poultry industry has a multitude of career opportunities but also offers a strong sense of community and connection among its people.”
Owens proves just how diverse a career in the poultry industry can be. Even with all her experience, she says being an educator has been the most meaningful and enduring aspect of her last 26 years at the University of Arkansas.
“While research and service are central to academic life, my commitment to teaching has shaped my identity as an educator, mentor, and leader in poultry science,” she says. “My philosophy is grounded in three guiding principles: applied and experiential learning, intentional student engagement, and continuous improvement. I am thankful for my mentors early in my career, industry colleagues who contribute information to allow my class to stay current on industry practices, my students for going on this journey with me, and finally my mom who always instilled the importance of education in me, with a little humor, too.”
The NOVUS Outstanding Teaching Award recognizes exceptional educators who have demonstratedexcellence in teaching and a commitment to advancing poultry science education. Owens’ impact on students, colleagues and the broader poultry industry reflects the values the award was created to honor.
About the Poultry Science Association
The Poultry Science Association is dedicated to advancing the discovery and dissemination of scientific knowledge to support the poultry industry through research, education and professional development. Learn more at poultryscience.org.
About NOVUS
NOVUS is a global leader in intelligent nutrition, combining scientific research, innovative solutionsand industry expertise to help animals around the world reach their full potential.
