A ten member "core" group serves in an advisory capacity, identifying and recommending focus areas and activities, and acting as "ambassadors" to promote and support the Southwest Center. Individuals on the Committee come from all walks of life: farmers, cattlemen, agribusinesses, state and federal agencies, extension, campus-based scientists, and other University personnel. Board members are invited to serve by the Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources for 3 year terms.

In addition to the "core" committee, subcommittees (currently four) serve in the major disciplines found at the Southwest Center -- Beef, Dairy, Forages/Agronomy, and Horticulture (including Agroforestry). The Chairpersons of each of the subcommittees are additional members of the "core" committee. Each chairperson can select additional members in their respective fields to assist them.

The current Advisory Board is listed below:

Stacy Dohle (Chairperson) — Pleasant Hope
John Elkins (Vice-Chair) — Springfield
Patrick Byers — Mountain Grove
Randy Haas — Joplin
Fred Hall — Springfield
Don Lucietta — Lamar
Joe Patton — Mt. Vernon
Richard Reynolds — Ozark
Doug Toburen — Parsons, KS
Bill VanEaton — Monett

Subcommittee Chairpersons:

Eldon Cole (Beef) — Mt. Vernon
Tom Hansen (Forage/Agronomy) — Springfield
Gaylord Moore (Horticulture) — Ozark
Tony Rickard (Dairy) — Monett