Distinguished Alumni

David S. Short (Bachelor of Science in Entomology 1980) spent much of his career in agricultural sales for Shell Chemical and Dupont, which acquired Shell's agricultural division in 1986. He also worked as a field agronomist for the company.

Short accumulated numerous sales, marketing, and leadership awards. He recognized the need to control resistant cotton aphids and positioned a product for their control. He established a seminar for agricultural consultants in the Midsouth and initiated and chaired the DuPont Midsouth Consultant Seminar for many years.

Short was instrumental in introducing several novel crop protection products to aid Mississippi growers. He declined promotions, preferring to remain in the field and assist Mississippi growers to solve their pest control issues, until his 2017 retirement.

Short was generous with his time, advising MSU students with their career paths. He has held board positions in various organizations, including Certified Crop Advisors and Mississippi Agricultural and Industry Council. Most recently, MAIC awarded Short a lifetime membership. He is a member of the MSU Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Entomology, and Plant Pathology Advisory Board.

Short and his wife, Monica, established and funded the Dr. Leon Hepner Endowed Scholarship in 2021. They have three children and three grandchildren and reside in Oktibbeha County.