Dr. Doyle Meadows, CEO of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration®, was honored recently as the 2011 “Graduate of Distinction” by West Texas A and M University, College of Agriculture in Canyon, Texas.  Meadows received his Bachelor of Science Degree at West Texas State University in 1970.  Later, Dr. Meadows received his Masters of Science and Doctor of Philosophy from the Texas A and M University, College Station, Texas.  Doyle began work at The Celebration® after a career in academics at Texas A & M, Oklahoma State University and the University of Tennessee - Knoxville.  He retired from the University of Tennessee in April of 2008 and became the CEO of The Celebration®.

Dr. Meadows spent a career in academics and the last 20 years at the University of Tennessee.  A strong advocate of youth programs, Meadows coached 25 National and World Champion youth and collegiate horse judging teams.  He has conducted both youth and adult educational programs nationally and internationally.  Doyle has been a licensed Quarter Horse judge for over 20 years and has judged in 10 foreign countries on three continents and in 38 states.  Additionally, he has conducted numerous judging clinics and educational workshops for the Walking Horse Industry during the past 20 years.  Dr. Meadows has published over 600 scientific and popular press articles.

Under the leadership of Dr. Meadows, The Celebration® activated their Horse Industry Organization, SHOW, in April, 2009.  This move was made to install integrity in the Walking Horse inspection process and create credibility with the industry as well as United States Department of Agriculture.  Doyle recently completed his fourth Celebration as its Chief Executive Officer.

Doyle is married to Gloria Gill Meadows and has two children, Caroline Meadows and Mindi Meadows Posey.  He resides with Gloria and Caroline in Fayetteville, Tenn.