Approximately 200 guests were in attendance for two significant events in the Department of Animal Science on April 26. The first event was the groundbreaking for the new Swine Research and Education Complex and the second was the dedication and naming ceremonies for the Lambert-Powell Meats Research, Teaching and Extension Laboratory, and the Stanley Wilson Beef Teaching, Research and Extension Center. These resources will enhance our ability to teach students, conduct research and to host high quality Extension events on campus. The Department of Animal Science is indebted to all those that worked so hard to make these modern facilities available to our programs.
The faculty in the Department of Animal Sciences is having a significant impact on the education of students at Auburn University. We have approximately 300 students enrolled in our program. This semester we have 50 students graduating with Bachelor of Science degrees in Animal Science. These students have made significant accomplishments and a lasting impact on our department during their tenure with us. Numerous awards were handed out to our students during the last few weeks as the student clubs and other campus organizations held their end of year banquets. A key individual in training these students is Dr. Dale Coleman. Dr. Coleman joined the Department of Animal Science faculty in 1984 after completing his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees at West Virginia University in Reproductive Physiology. He is a native of Colorado where he finished his B.S. degree at Colorado State University. He is nationally recognized for his teaching program and undergraduate student leadership. Currently, Dr. Coleman is serving as Vice President and subsequently will be the President of the Southern Section of the American Society of Animal Science. Those of you that know Dr. Coleman recognize him as the cornerstone of our teaching program in the Department of Animal Science as well as the College of Agriculture at Auburn University.
We asked two of our students to share their experiences as students at Auburn University. Kindra Wood, the 2003 President of AJCA and recent winner of the Block & Bridle Club Newcomer Award and the Block & Bridle Wade Sullivan Memorial Scholarship writes, “I am currently completing my first year at Auburn University in Animal Science. The year has been both exciting and scary. Coming from a small rural school to the University was a huge change in my life. However, the faculty in the College of Agriculture and Department of Animal Sciences has made me feel right at home, and the adjustment has been pretty easy. I know, if I have a problem, I can go to any of the faculty members for advice or help. Auburn University is promoting learning and leadership through a unique combination of education and extracurricular activities. At Auburn, the majority of my time is spent studying. In my spare time, I study some more! However, Auburn University offers many organizations and extracurricular activities in which students can become involved. I do find time to participate in some of these activities. I am currently involved with the Block and Bridle Club, Collegiate FFA, both of which I was recently elected to leadership positions as an officer. I am also involved with the Young Farmers and the Pre-Vet Club. As I attend daily classes and participate in the many activities of college life at Auburn University, I see many friends that I have made through my involvement with the Alabama Jr. Cattlemen's Association. These lifelong friends, that in the past I only saw a few times a year, I now see each day. I have developed new friendships with many of my Animal Science classmates. These classmates are from many parts of the south and come from different backgrounds. This group of unique individuals has enabled me to fit in and enjoy my first year at Auburn. As I look to the future, I am thankful that I have been given the opportunity to attend Auburn University and acquire new friends with support from the agriculture industry of Alabama. This industry has afforded me a deep background of knowledge and leadership skills of which I am currently putting to great use at Auburn University. War Eagle!”.
Kelly Carson, the 1998-99 President of AJCA, a 2004 Department of Animal Science Graduate and currently finishing her first year of Vet School at Auburn writes, “ My life now mostly consists of studying, classes, labs, and more studying. However, I am involved in some clubs at school, specifically the Society for Theriogenology, American Association of Bovine Practitioners, and American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners. These clubs give me a chance to see actual cases, interact with clinicians, and an insight into opportunities available to me after graduation. During the first year of veterinary school we study mostly basic sciences. My Animal Science degree has given me knowledge and practical application of production medicine that I can now use in my basic science courses in Veterinary Medicine. I believe my Animal Sciences degree is going to be especially useful when I reach clinics in my senior year. I am very proud of my Animal Sciences degree and thoroughly enjoyed the classes I took there.”
As Professor and Head of the Department of Animal Science, I am extremely proud of these students, and all those that have come through our program. It is your children and grandchildren that make this department great, keep them coming. I am also equally proud and indebted to the faculty in this department for their dedicated and unselfish service to educate these young minds as they become leaders of our future. Professors like Dr. Coleman and others in our department are invaluable as we continue to educate your children and their children in future years. We appreciate your support.

Dr. Dale Coleman is the Department of Animal Sciences Undergraduate Coordinator.

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