UWs Hixon Receives Societys Distinguished Service Award

August 27, 2012
Man smiling
Doug Hixon

The head of the University of Wyoming Department of Animal Science has received the Distinguished Service Award from the Western Section, American Society of Animal Science.

Professor Doug Hixon, in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, received the award during the society’s recent convention in Phoenix, Ariz.

“Certainly a person is grateful for this type of recognition,” Hixon says. “I was very humbled and very appreciative that someone thinks what you’ve done has had an impact, since it encompasses one’s entire career. At this stage of one’s career, it’s not so much about what you’ve done or haven’t done, but the relationships that you’ve built over your career that are special.”

A native of Donovan, Ill., Hixon has been a nationally respected leader in bringing animal science research to cattle producers, says Jim Magagna, Wyoming Stock Growers Association executive vice president.

“As a respected teacher, he has played a critical role in preparing the next generation of agricultural industry producers and leaders,” he says.

Hixon earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees and his Ph.D. in animal science at the University of Illinois. He joined the UW animal science faculty in 1982.

“It was an opportunity to learn about the beef industry in a range environment,” he recalls. “This gave me a different perspective, and we thought Laramie would be a great place to raise a family since we had a young family at the time.”

Hixon was named head of the department in 2001; he oversees an integrated program in teaching, research and extension.

“UW has been fortunate to have had a string of talented and respected animal science professors over the years,” Magagna says. “Doug ranks at the top with them. Most importantly, as a professor and in particular as department head he has strengthened the bond between the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the ranching industry in Wyoming.”

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