Smithfield Foods Establishes $250,000 Future Leaders Scholarship Program at Christopher Newport University

Program will support business students with scholarships and career opportunities

SMITHFIELD, Va., Oct. 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Smithfield Foods has established the Smithfield Foods Future Leaders Scholarship at Christopher Newport University in Newport News, Virginia, investing $250,000 to support eight students pursuing business degrees. The program was announced on Oct. 24 during an on-field presentation at CNU’s Family Weekend football game.

Beginning with the 2026-27 academic year, eight incoming freshmen will each receive a $7,500 annual scholarship, renewable for up to three additional years. The university 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,” said Shane Smith, president and CEO of Smithfield Foods. “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 CNU’s 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 long-standing connection between CNU and Smithfield. The university’s Luter School of Business is named for the former Smithfield chairman and CEO whose family founded the company in Smithfield, Virginia, 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.

For more information about Smithfield’s continuing investments in schools and education programs, please visit www.smithfieldfoods.com/scholarships.

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. 

About Christopher Newport University
A four-year public university in Newport News, Virginia, Christopher Newport University enrolls about 4,500 students in rigorous academic programs embedded in the liberal arts. Christopher Newport offers great teaching and small class sizes with an emphasis on leadership, civic engagement and honor. The University recently earned the distinction of being ranked as the No. 3 non-military public university of its type in the U.S., according to U.S. News and World Report.

Contact:
Emma Davis 
Smithfield Foods, Inc. 
(757) 725-9782
edavis4@smithfield.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/553821cc-b504-4f11-a7d2-7327cfd5bda7