University of Georgia
UGA College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences CAES Signature Event The D.W. Brooks Signature Event
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November 19, 2026

Lecture: 3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Reception: 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Location: University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education Hotel, Masters Hall

In-person and online (Zoom) registration is available.

D.W. Brooks In-Person Registration

D.W. Brooks Online Registration


The D.W. Brooks Signature Event

 

The 2026 D.W. Brooks Signature Event will be held on Nov. 19 at the University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education and Hotel in Masters Hall. The D.W. Brooks Lecture, entitled "Food and Nutrition Security: The Critical Intersection of Farm Policy and the Land-Grant Mission," will be presented by CEO of World Food Prize Foundation and former U.S. secretary of agriculture and governor, Thomas J. Vilsack. Following the lecture, join us for a reception outside of Masters Hall to meet our speaker, ask questions, and network with colleagues. 


Meet the previous D.W. Brooks Award recipients


2026 D.W. Brooks Speaker
Thomas J. Vilsack
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Event Contact:

Kaitlyn Schwarzenbach CAES Signature Events Coordinator
Office of Development and Alumni Relations
kaitlyn.s@uga.edu 706-542-3390

Media Contact:

Jordan Powers Public Relations Manager
Office of Marketing and Communications (OMC)
jpowers@uga.edu 706-542-4274
About the Lecture and Awards
The D.W. Brooks Lecture is named for the late D.W. Brooks, founder of Gold Kist, Inc. Brooks started Cotton States Mutual Insurance Companies in 1941. He advised seven U.S. presidents on farm and trade issues. Among his many honors, he was the first inductee into the University of Georgia Agricultural Hall of Fame. CAES hosts the annual lecture series and faculty awards for excellence celebration in his memory.
D.W. Brooks memorial
CAES Signature Events
This event is a part of CAES Signature Events. These special events showcase outstanding faculty contributions, foster community and industry collaboration, and spotlight the college's impact on a global scale.

NOTE: All Signature Lectures are free and open to the public. Requests for accommodations should be made as soon as possible but at least 7 days prior to the scheduled lecture.

Signature Events - celebrating excellence

Presenting sponsor:


Three red triangles intersecting with the words 'Massey Ferguson' written underneath

Red sponsors:


A gold seal that reads Georgia Department of Agriculture
University of Georgia College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Alumni Association

Black, silver and white Sponsors:

  • Farm Credit Associations of Georgia
  • Corteva Agriscience
  • Georgia Agribusiness Council
  • The Dairy Alliance