Missouri University of Science and Technology presented the Award of Professional Distinction to S&T alumnus Dale A. Kyser of Morton Grove, Illinois, during the afternoon commencement ceremony at Missouri S&T, which was held Saturday, Dec. 20. The award recognizes outstanding Missouri S&T alumni for professional achievement.

Kyser is a retired vice president of research and nutrition science for Mondelez International. He earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from Missouri S&T in 1982. He also earned a master’s degree and a Ph.D., both in chemical engineering from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, in 1985 and 1987, respectively.

After earning his Ph.D. Kyser joined Kraft Food R&D group, where he worked on such iconic brands as Kraft Singles, Kraft Salad Dressing and Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. In 2011, Kyser became senior director of R&D strategy and transformation for Mondelez International, one of the largest snack companies in the world, with approximately 91,000 employees and operations in more than 80 countries. 

In 2017, Kyser was named vice president of research and nutrition science, leading the global research organization and the development of innovative, growth-supporting technology. He retired in 2021. 

Kyser grew up on a farm in western Missouri, where he and two brothers worked for the family business. He is past president of the Missouri S&T Academy of Chemical and Biochemical Engineers and credits a solid technical foundation that served him well over his career to his time at S&T. He is a member of the Order of the Golden Shillelagh donor society.