Smith and Osborn Head BVU Community Campaign

August 4, 2016

Buena Vista University has announced that Kent Smith and Josh Osborn will be the co-chairs for its 2016-2017 Community Campaign.

Smith, originally from Eustis, Neb., began his career in agriculture after graduating with an associate's degree in applied science and production agriculture from the University of Nebraska School of Technical Agriculture. He earned a bachelor's degree in general agriculture and agriculture economics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1983. In 1987 he joined Stalcup Ag Service, Inc., as a professional farm manager and currently serves as president.

"As one of the largest employers in Storm Lake, BVU is vital to the local economy," said Smith. "The interaction of students, faculty and staff in our community helps make Storm Lake a better place to live and work. BVU also provides a wealth of talented individuals, as evidenced by the number of graduates employed in our community."

Smith and his wife, Cindy, a volunteer coordinator for UnityPoint Hospice and a BVU graduate, have three children: Dustin, 29, is self-employed with a livestock operation and also works for Monsanto in Storm Lake; Jill, 26, is a consumer at Village Northwest Unlimited in Sheldon; and Chyann, 21, is a senior at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln majoring in agricultural business. The Smiths are active members of St. Mark Lutheran Church.

Smith's community involvement includes lengthy service for Buena Vista County 4-H as a club leader, member of the Executive Council and member of the Endowment Board.

Osborn is originally from Rochester, Minn., and has had an extensive career with Hy-Vee, working in multiple capacities including manager of perishables, general merchandise and store operations. He has worked at Hy-Vee in Minnesota, South Dakota and Iowa, and is currently store director of the Storm Lake location. Osborn has completed Hy-Vee's University Business Leadership program and Masters of Retail Operations program.

"There are a lot of benefits that come with having a great place like BVU in our community, but I think the largest benefit is the people," said Osborn. "BVU brings hundreds of faculty, staff and students to our community to live here, work or study. They also bring people into our community who are well educated and ready to help lead or assist in taking our businesses to new levels and to volunteer in our local organizations."

Osborn and his wife, Shanda, have three children: Caden, 7; Quinn, 5; Owen, 1; and are expecting a fourth. Shanda currently stays at home to raise their family.

Buena Vista University is an independent university, and primary income comes from student tuition and fees. Contributions to the Community Campaign help support the University's annual operating expenses, which provide resources for scholarships and development of innovative academic programs, internships and undergraduate research opportunities.

The Community Campaign, which has a goal of $125,000 this year, kicks off on Wednesday, Sept. 7, at 5.p.m. in the Buena Vista University Estelle Siebens Science Center rotunda on the BVU campus. The event is open to the public and free to attend.

For additional information about BVU's 2016-17 Community Campaign, contact Barbara Aiona, director of annual campaigns, at 712.749.2101 or aionab@bvu.edu.