|
 The
award recognizes notable Heartland alumni who demonstrate
exceptional achievement in their profession and make a positive
impact on their community. Awardees are selected from nominations by
fellow Heartland alumni, faculty, staff, students and community
members.
Dr. Justin Rickard is an Associate Professor of Animal Science with
a teaching and research appointment
at Illinois State University. He teaches a variety of animal science
and food industry courses. His research program focuses on improving
the livestock production and food animal industries. In addition to
teaching and research, he advises undergraduate and graduate
students and does a variety of outreach activities with livestock
producers and 4H and FFA programs.
Rickard’s academic career started at Heartland Community College
which prepared him to transfer to the Department of Agriculture at
Illinois State University. There he earned a B.S. degree in Animal
Industry Management and M.S. degree in Agriculture Sciences. He is a
graduate of the University of Missouri-Columbia where he earned a
Ph.D. in Animal Science with an emphasis in Fresh Meat Science.
[to top of second column] |
Rickard was nominated by Heartland Distinguished Professor of
Sociology and Social Work Doug Dowell.
“We don’t always know where our start will be or where our path will take us. I
first met Justin when I had him in an Introduction to Sociology course. He just
wanted to farm but found an unexpected fit at Heartland Community College, with
caring people who made learning fun,” said Dowell. “Now he is a tenured
professor at Illinois State University, teaching others that learning can be
fun. He is also conducting and publishing research on such topics as growth
performance, meat quality, and grain production. A quick look at Justin’s vitae
shows he is not short on accomplishments.”
Dr. Rickard will be recognized during the College’s commencement ceremony to be
held virtually on May 14, 2021.
[Steve Fast
Photo credit: Audrey Stickrod] |
.jpg)
