ADA, Okla. – Dr. Benny Bruton has been named the recipient of the 2026 Milam Award at East Central University (ECU).

ECU Athletics will honor Bruton at the 2026 Homecoming football game against Southwestern Oklahoma State University at Koi Ishto Stadium, Oct. 24 at 3 p.m.

The Milam Award is traditionally presented annually by ECU to a former Tiger football player who not only excelled in the classroom and on the gridiron, but also distinguished themselves in their chosen career. The award is named in honor of Joe Milam, a former educator and coach for ECU.

Bruton, born on Sept. 6, 1950, in Gorman, Texas to Sidney and Clara Bruton, graduated from De Leon High School in 1969.

He would then attend ECU on an athletic scholarship, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Biology in 1974 before earning his master’s degree in Plant Pathology/Phytopathology from Oklahoma State University (OSU) in 1977 and his doctoral degree in Plant Pathology/Phytopathology from Texas A&M in 1980.

For the next 32 years, from 1980 to 2012, Bruton served as a Ph.D. Research Scientist in the USDA Agricultural Research Service in Weslaco, Texas and Lane, Okla., where he developed methods to control soilborne diseases, wilts and vine declines of cucurbits: watermelon, cantaloupe, pumpkin, etc. He traveled extensively in Central America assisting farmers and governmental agencies in identifying and developing disease control measures.

Additionally, his research involved developing methods to control postharvest diseases and extend the shelf life of fruits and vegetables.

During his 32 years as a research scientist with ARS, he published approximately 200 scientific papers which consisted of scientific journal articles, book chapters, etc.

Returning to his alma maters, Bruton would serve as adjunct instruct with OSU from 2005 to 2007 and ECU from 2007 to 2010 before his retirement.

Bruton passed away Jan. 15, 2023.

For those interested in donating to the ECU Football program on behalf Dr. Bruton, visit ecok.edu/donate/ways-give/athletics.php.

For more information about ECU Athletics, visit ecutigers.com.

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