AMES, Iowa — Iowa State University's top-ranked meat science program now has its first endowed faculty position.
Joseph Sebranek has been named the first holder of the Morrison Chair in Meat Science. Sebranek is a distinguished professor in the Department of Animal Science and Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition.
A faculty member at Iowa State since 1975, Sebranek investigates the scientific principles important to development of new products and processes for the meat industry that will improve marketability of livestock. He also evaluates new technology proposed for the food industry to achieve the best adaptation for utilization and improvement of the safety of animal products as human food.
Sebranek was named a Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor in Agriculture and Life Sciences at Iowa State in 2008. He is a fellow of the American Society of Animal Science and the Institute of Food Technologists. He has received numerous awards for his research, teaching and service at Iowa State. He holds a master's and Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville.
The endowed faculty position was established by David and Judith Morrison of Paradise Valley, Ariz. David Morrison was CEO of Sampco, Inc., a food and beverage company based in Chicago, Ill., and he remains a consultant for that firm. He earned two degrees at ISU — a bachelor's degree in 1969 in food technology and a master's degree in 1971 in chemical engineering. Judith also has two degrees from ISU — a bachelor's degree in 1969 in home economics and a master's degree in 1976 in home economics education.
"We are grateful to David and Judee Morrison for establishing this endowed chair in the Department of Animal Science," said Iowa State President Gregory L. Geoffroy. "This level of commitment is essential to maintaining and elevating our top programs at Iowa State, as well as supporting our faculty and students."
The Morrison Chair in Meat Science will have additional funds to support research, teaching, graduate assistant or postdoctoral stipends, technical assistance and other resources to advance work in food safety.
"Iowa State's meat science program is unmatched in the nation. Thanks to David and Judith Morrison, we will have the resources available that will help keep us at the top," said Wendy Wintersteen, endowed dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. "This will allow Dr. Sebranek to advance teaching and research efforts that will continue Iowa State's long legacy of finding science-based solutions that ensure the safety and security of the nation's meat industry. Many of our alumni are top leaders in the meat and poultry industry, and this new commitment will help us continue to prepare future managers, researchers and executives."
The meat science program in the Department of Animal Science has been ranked number one in the nation by Meat and Poultry Magazine. The gift is part of Campaign Iowa State: With Pride and Purpose, the university's $800 million fundraising effort.