Smithfield Foods has established the Smithfield Foods Future Leaders Scholarship, investing $250,000 to support eight students pursuing business degrees. President William G. Kelly and Shane Smith, president and CEO of Smithfield Foods, announced the program on Oct. 24 during an on-field presentation at Christopher Newport’s Family Weekend football game.
Beginning with the 2026-27 academic year, eight incoming first-year students will each receive a $7,500 annual scholarship, renewable for up to three additional years. CNU will select recipients based on financial need and academic achievement. Students will enter CNU as pre-business students before specializing in accounting, finance, marketing or management through the Joseph W. Luter, III School of Business.
“Smithfield established this program to open doors for deserving, talented students in the Tidewater region and help them see a future for their careers here after college,” Smith said. “By connecting students with our people and our business, we can help them turn their education into meaningful careers and build a strong foundation for long-term success.”
In addition to financial support, Smithfield will engage with students each semester throughout their four years at CNU. Opportunities include interacting with Smithfield leaders, internships, and the company’s Career Foundation Program to help students gain experience during college and explore careers with Smithfield after graduation.
“We are deeply grateful to Smithfield Foods for investing in the next generation of business professionals through this scholarship,” said Dr. Anna Hickey, dean of the Luter School of Business. “This gift is more than financial support—it creates life-changing opportunities for our students and helps foster the values of excellence, opportunity and service that Joseph Luter embodied.”
The scholarship also reflects the longstanding connection between CNU and Smithfield. The Luter School is named for the former Smithfield chairman and CEO whose family founded the company in Smithfield, Va., in 1936.
The Future Leaders Scholarship is part of Smithfield’s broader commitment to education and workforce development. Since 2002, the company’s scholarship program for eligible dependents of full-time and retired employees has awarded more than 1,900 scholarships totaling more than $11 million.
(story by Smithfield Foods)
About Smithfield Foods
Smithfield Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: SFD) is an American food company with a leading position in packaged meats and fresh pork products. With a diverse brand portfolio and strong relationships with U.S. farmers and customers, we responsibly meet demand for quality protein around the world.