David Hunter

Dr. David Lee Hunter was born on a small farm near Gradyville, KY on December 1, 1944. He attended elementary school in Gradyville, Kentucky. Dr. Hunter was graduated from Adair County High School, Columbia, Kentucky, in June 1963. Following graduation from high school, he attended Berea College, Berea, KY, from 1963-1968 and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture. In 1968 he accepted a research assistantship at Purdue University, Lafayette, Indiana and began study toward a Masters Degree. He received this degree with a major in Animal Science in January 1969.

In May 1969 he entered the United States Army and served three years in the Army Intelligence Service with one year being spent in the Republic of South Vietnam. While in the military, he received the National Defense Merit Service Medal and the Vietnam Service Medal. Upon receiving an honorable discharge for the United States Army, he accepted a position as County Extension Agent with the West Virginia Cooperative Extension Service in Lincoln County, West Virginia.

After working as a County Extension Agent for five years, Dr. Hunter began graduate work toward a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Agricultural Economics at the University of Tennessee in June 1977. He completed his PHD Degree in December 1981. He was a professor in Agricultural Economics at the University of Tennessee for sixteen years. He is now a retired professor from the University of Tennessee.

Dr. Hunter is a graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Business Administration’s Leadership Academy, the Southern Extension Leadership Development Workshop, and the Nashville Auction School.

Dr. Hunter is the author of various agricultural publications and two books of poetry and short stories entitled, “Childhood Memories” and “Life As An American”. Dr. Hunter brings a message of education, inspiration, motivation, patriotism, and humor about his many life experiences while growing up in rural Kentucky, his military experiences while serving in the United States Army and in Vietnam, and his family and life experiences while a professor at the University of Tennessee. He focuses on coping with change, stress management, teamwork, and leadership, all the time entertaining audiences with his stories.

He has been a member of Delta Tau Alpha, Gamma Sigma Delta, and Phi Kappa Phi. David is married to the former Carol Sue Fletcher, Paintsville, Kentucky. They have two children, Cameron and Jamie. David is an elder in his church.

**Speech Topics

Breakout Session: Stress Management through Good Health and Humor** Stress is present in all phases of our lives. Dr. Hunter uses common principles of stress management with lots of humor to teach how we can reduce stress and cope. As he interacts with the audience there will be learning and a lot of laughter.

Facing Midlife With Laughter From Country to Cosmopolitan From Poverty to Prosperity: Education Was The Key If It Is To Be It Is Up To Me-I Can Make A Difference