United Animal Health Honors Dr. Robert A. Easter with the 2018 John B. Swisher Leadership Award
- June 7, 2018
- News
DES MOINES, IOWA – United Animal Health honored Dr. Robert A. Easter with the 2018 John B. Swisher Leadership Award on June 6, 2018 at the World Pork Expo in Des Moines, Iowa. A $5,000 contribution will be made on his behalf to the American Society of Animal Science, supporting the Baker lecture at the Midwest Animal Science Meetings. Dr. Easter accepted the award in person to the over 150 attendees.
The John B. Swisher Leadership Award is an annual honor presented to an individual who exemplifies extraordinary leadership qualities and who has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of the swine industry.
“We couldn’t be more excited to honor Dr. Easter. He’s a deserving honoree whose work has literally changed the lives of countless people,” remarked Doug Webel, Ph.D., President and CEO of United Animal Health.
Dr. Easter, President Emeritus of University of Illinois, is recognized worldwide for his leadership in animal agriculture. During Dr. Easter’s 40-year career at University of Illinois he served as a faculty member, department head, Dean of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES), interim Chancellor of the Urbana-Champaign campus for two years and for the final three years as President of the University of Illinois system.
As an expert in swine nutrition, Dr. Easter has co-authored a book on swine production, written 11 book chapters, more than 90 peer-reviewed articles, four monographs and numerous papers for conferences and industry publications. He has also spoken to audiences in the U.S and in 27 foreign countries.
His numerous awards and recognitions include the American Feed Industry Association Award in Nonruminant Nutrition Research for the American Society of Animal Science, the University of Illinois College of Agriculture Paul A. Funk Award for contributions to the Illinois agriculture, the Illinois farm Bureau Charles B. Schuman and being appointed chairman of the Board for International Food and Agricultural Development (BIFAD) by President George W. Bush.
“Dr. Easter is a special person. His contributions are far-reaching and truly impressive,” commented Webel.
“I have known John Swisher for a very long time and greatly admire the company that he and his colleagues built – that makes the recognition special,” noted Easter.