This citation honors a College of Agriculture and Life Sciences alumnus or friend who has achieved notable professional achievements nationally or internationally and brought distinction to themselves, the college, and the university through their significant contributions. Selection is made by the Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
This award was established in 1978 and is presented annually during Iowa State University’s Homecoming Weekend.
2025 Henry A. Wallace Awardee
Doug Ware (MS '74 Animal Science, PhD '76)
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Doug Ware has made a lasting impact on animal nutrition, transforming industry practices and bringing distinction to Iowa State University through his groundbreaking work. Before attending Iowa State, Ware worked at Dow Chemical, where he collaborated with leading veterinarians and nutritionists - an experience that inspired him to pursue advanced studies in Ames.
At Iowa State, Ware earned both his master's and doctoral degrees in animal nutrition. His research at the Allee Farm and mentorship from esteemed faculty laid the groundwork for a career defined by challenging conventional approaches to animal health.
Returning to Dow after graduation, Ware identified a critical gap in the industry and took action. In 1993, he founded Nutrition Physiology Corporation, introducing microbiological innovations that reshaped how animal research is conducted. His flagship product, Bovamine, became a staple in the livestock industry and earned him 33 patents. In 2016, Ware retired after selling his company to CHR Hansen, leaving behind a legacy of innovation that continues to define industry standards.
Now retired, Ware and his wife, Virginia, are active in philanthropy and enjoy giving back to the community. They have two daughters, Anna Marie and Kristin. Ware is a proud member of the Order of the Knoll W.M. Beardshear and Campanile Society.
Past Recipients
- 2024 – Scott Hutchins, ’87 PhD entomology
- 2023 – Patrick McGonegle, ’83 animal science
- 2022 – Bill Northey, ’81 agricultural business
- 2021 – Deland J. Myers Sr., ’81 MS food technology, ’84 PhD
- 2020 – Roger Carlsson, ’78 agricultural business
- 2020 – Betsy Freese, ’84 agricultural journalism
- 2019 – Dhamu Thamodaran, ’83 PhD agricultural economics
- 2018 – Max F. Rothschild
- 2017 – Catherine E. Woteki
- 2016 – Robert E. Walton, Sr., ’61 PhD animal science
- 2015 – James P. Tobin, ’78 agricultural and life sciences education
- 2014 – Steven Bradbury, ’81 MS entomology, ’85 PhD
- 2013 – James Blome, ‘85 agronomy and pest management
- 2012 – John P. Gordon
- 2011 – Lowell Catlett, ‘80 PhD economics
- 2010 – Dana R. Robes, ’67 dairy science
- 2009 – David L. Wright, ’82 agronomy, ’86 MS
- 2008 – Owen J. Newlin, ’51 agronomy, ’53 MS
- 2007 – Harlan Ritchie, ’57 animal science, ’64 PhD
- 2006 – Carl Whitcomb, ’66 MS horticulture, ’69 PhD
- 2005 – Ray Townsend
- 2004 – D.L. “Hank” Harris, ’67 doctor of veterinary medicine, ’70PhD
- 2003 – Wesley Buchele, ’54 PhD ag engineering
- 2002 – Burton Endo, ’51 horticulture
- 2001 – Douglas Hard, ’75 animal science, ’78 MS, ’81 PhD
- 2000 – Mark Drabenstott, ’80 MS agricultural economics, ’81 PhD
- 1999 – Billy Day, ’58 PhD animal science
- 1998 – Francis Byrnes, ’75 PhD sociology
- 1997 – Ned Raun, ’61 PhD animal science
- 1996 – Walter Fehr, ’67 PhD agronomy
- 1995 – Luther Tweeten, ’54 agricultural education,’ 62 MS agricultural economics
- 1994 – Duane Acker, ’52 animal science, ’53 MS, ’57 PhD
- 1993 – Roger Mitchell, ’54 agronomy, ’61 PhD
- 1992 – Arnel Hallauer, ’58 MS agronomy, ’60 PhD
- 1991 – Robert Barnes, ’57 agronomy
- 1990 – Kenneth Frey, ’48 PhD agronomy
- 1989 – Eugene Meyer, ’46 dairy science
- 1988 – Herb Plambeck
- 1987 – Neil Harl ’55 agricultural education, ’65 PhD economics
- 1986 – Kenneth Nielsen, ’46 agricultural education
- 1985 – Robert Kalton, ’45 MS agronomy, ’47 PhD
- 1984 – Charles Henderson, ’33 animal science, ’35 MS, ’48 PhD
- 1983 – George Beal, ’43 agricultural economics, ’47 MS, ’53 PhD rural sociology
- 1982 – Louis Thompson, ’47 MS agronomy, ’50 PhD
- 1981 – R. J. Hildreth, ’49 industrial administration,’ 50 MS, ’54 PhD agricultural economics
- 1980 – Charles Black, ’38 MS agronomy, ’42 PhD
- 1979 – Lauren K. Soth, ’32 agricultural journalism, ’38 MS
- 1978 – Earl Heady, ’45 PhD economics