Byford helps OSU animal science down highway of success

Friday, October 21, 2016

Growing up on a purebred swine operation near Duncan, Oklahoma, Randy Byford was passionate about agriculture and seemed destined to serve in the industry.

In fact, in seventh grade, he declared to the executive secretary of the Chester White Swine Record Association that he would become their fieldman. He fulfilled that dream when he was enrolled as a sophomore in Oklahoma State University’s Department of Animal Science.

While his career path has taken him down a different road, Byford has remained committed to agriculture. So much so that he was recently recognized as a 2016 DASNR Champion by OSU’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at the recent DASNR Honors night.

In 1983, Byford became a car salesman at Bob Moore Cadillac in Oklahoma City. The next year, he was the company’s top salesperson, quickly moved into a manager position and eventually became a partner. In 2005, Byford purchased his first auto dealership in Lawton and has since expanded his enterprise to become the owner of Byford Auto Group in Oklahoma City, Chickasha and Duncan.

Through multiple endeavors, he has supported DASNR, OSU, the Spears School of Business, the College of Arts and Sciences and the Athletics Department, including gifting two 15-passenger vans to the animal science department for use by judging teams.

“I think when our students show up at a judging event there's no question where they're from, who they represent or whether they're proud about it,” said Tom Coon, DASNR vice president. “It really does stand out and we're very grateful to have safe vehicles for our students to travel in, as well.”

The vans allow judging teams to travel to competitions around the country and have been on road trips to several national championships. Byford has provided cars for OSU Athletics through the Wagon Wheel Program and is a strong supporter of Oklahoma 4-H and FFA youth.

“What I appreciate most about Randy is his passion for OSU,” said Blake Bloombern, OSU Livestock Judging team coach. “It's not just the livestock judging, it's not just animal science, it's not just the other judging teams that benefit from this van use. He really has a genuine passion for this university, far reaching past his donation of the judging vans.”

Byford received the okPORK Ambassador Award from the Oklahoma Pork Council in 2015. He was presented with the prestigious Distinguished Service Award by the OSU Department of Animal Science in 2014, is a lifetime member of the OSU Alumni Association and is a member of the OSU Foundation Board of Governors, where he has served since July 2014.

“He's been very generous at the Oklahoma Youth Expo and to our Alumni Association. This past year he provided the meat for the meal at our Alumni Gala that we have every year,” said Clint Rusk, animal science department head. “We really appreciate his support. He and Robin have just been fantastic donors and supporters of our department.”