Alumni Spotlight
Name: Spencer Smith
Current Title: Product Development Scientist
Organization: Hill's Pet Nutrition
Majors: B.S. Animal Science (2016), M.S. Grain Science (2018)
K-State College of Ag is proud to recognize alumni from all departments who continue to pursue their passion in their respective fields. It is through experience that we continue to grow as individuals and stewards of the industry. Through those experiences, we hope to be a continued resource for the next generation of K-State students to lean on for advice and continue to build our network!
Why did you choose K-State?
I chose K-State because it was the perfect distance from home, but I was also really attracted to the animal science program. I saw how many hands-on opportunities were offered with the animals and livestock, and the exposure I would gain to different species. Before coming to K-State, I only had experience with companion animals, but it gave me the chance to work with large animals. There are also only two or three other schools that have pet food programs, so that makes K-State really unique. They offer nutrition and processing, so K-State was one of the only places that combined my passions for animal science and pet food. Another large reason I chose K-State was for the marching band, where I was a part of the color guard.
How did you choose a career in pet food development?
When I first came to K-State, I wanted to go to veterinary school for small and companion animals. As I got further into my undergraduate degree, I started taking more nutrition courses and realized that I was most passionate and interested in those classes. I had the opportunity to conduct research alongside a professor from the grain science department, where we explored how a dog’s sense of smell influences its perception of taste — research that was particularly relevant to the development of more appealing dog treats. For me, that research project solidified my interest in pet food. After I graduated, I did a six-month internship with Hill’s Pet Nutrition and then came back to get my master’s so I could work in the pet food industry.
What’s your favorite thing about K-State?
By far, one of my favorite things about K-State is how much it feels like a family. You get the small-school feeling, even though we’re at a Big 12 school with over 20,000 students. Your professors know you by name, especially when you get further into your degree. I’ve seen the community continue outside of the school too. In the industry, you meet so many other K-Staters, and it’s fun to reminisce about our time in Manhattan. If I’m wearing something K-State, other fans come up to me and start a conversation about it.
What advice would you give to students?
Take advantage of the opportunities and resources that you have around you right now. Many faculty and mentors at K-State want to help you navigate problems and figure out your next steps. Never again in your life will you be so surrounded by people willing and excited to help you with these things. Whether it’s using tutoring on campus or just connecting with professors and peers, those relationships will last you beyond your four years at K-State and continue to be valuable throughout your lifetime.