AMES, Iowa — Animal scientist Donald Beermann has been named the chair of the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University.
Beermann, a former animal science professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will begin his new duties Jan. 5. His last position at UNL was interim director of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and interim associate dean of the Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine, and he led the UNL animal science department from 1999 to 2007. Last year he was inducted into the Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement.
“Dr. Beermann's experiences have prepared him well for this role. I look forward to working with him to further advance the Department of Animal Science,” said Wendy Wintersteen, endowed dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Beermann grew up on a farm near Denison, and is an Iowa State alumnus, earning a bachelor’s degree in animal science in 1971. Beermann went on to earn a master’s degree in meat and animal science and a doctorate in muscle biology and human physiology from the University of Wisconsin, Madison in 1974 and 1976.
Beermann succeeds Maynard Hogberg, who has served as chair since 2003. Hogberg announced his retirement in 2013, and continued to serve as chair.
“Since his retirement announcement, Maynard has received numerous awards recognizing his great success as department chair and his leadership to the livestock and poultry industry in Iowa. I thank Dr. Hogberg for his leadership and service to the department, the college, ISU and Iowa,” Wintersteen said.