1985 Outstanding Alumnus of the Year

Bob Odom

 

Bob Odom was born and raised on a 1,000 acre cotton and dairy farm in Haynesville, Louisiana. He  owns and operates a 400-acre farm. He is a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University with a major in Animal Science.

Bob was with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture for over 40 years. In 1970, he was recognized for outstanding service to agriculture by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. In 1976, he was commended by Concurrent Resolution of the Louisiana Legislature for many years of exemplary work with the Louisiana Department of Agriculture. He was elected Commissioner of Agriculture in 1980 and served five terms.

In 1984, he was president of the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture. He was president of the Southern United States Trade Association of State Departments of Agriculture, 1985-87. In 1985, he was named Alumnus of the Year by Southeastern. He is past president of the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture. He is married to the former Millie Randolph. They have two children, Robb and Ashley, and are the proud grandparents of a little girl, Taylor Brooke Odom.