Ron Lewis receives 2021 Distinguished Teacher Award

by Chandra Spangler | IANR News

Ron Lewis
Known nationally and internationally for his teaching, Ron Lewis, professor in animal breeding and genomics in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Animal Science, has been honored as the 2021 Distinguished Teacher by the American Society of Animal Science.
July 12, 2021

Lincoln, Neb. —Ron Lewis, professor in animal breeding and genomics in the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Animal Science, has been honored as the 2021 Distinguished Teacher by the American Society of Animal Science. Lewis will be recognized at the ASAS-CSAS-SSASAS Annual Meeting held in Lexington, Kentucky on July 14-17.

Known nationally and internationally for his teaching, Lewis teaches at both the undergraduate and graduate level. He currently serves as the program director and instructor of four courses in a national graduate-level distance-delivered program in animal quantitative genetics and genomics. As an undergraduate instructor, he teaches an introductory course in animal breeding and genetics. In addition, Lewis serves as the Technical Advisor to the National Sheep Improvement Program, providing genetic evaluation service for sheep and goat producers across the United States.

As an animal geneticist, Lewis’ research intertwines theory, simulation and field studies in the species area of sheep, beef and poultry. He works closely with other researchers in North America, Great Britain and Australia.

Through his teaching, Lewis has impacted his mentees in the classroom and beyond. He is noted as a teacher, scientist, leader, collaborator and friend in the Nebraska Animal Science Department. Those former students that are now successful in their own careers in academia or the industry can attribute some their success to Lewis. His role in online instruction has reached students in 30 United States and five international institutions.

“I believe that I speak for anyone engaged in teaching in saying that our greatest pleasure is to contribute to our students’ learning, watching them flourish as they continue in their careers,” said Lewis. “My receiving this award reflects that privilege.”

 The ASAS Distinguished Teacher Award recognizes a dedicated individual’s teaching accomplishments in animal science courses. This person is genuinely invested in their students and shows interest in student motivation, mastery of subject matter, teaching improvement, extra-curricular student activities, and service to agriculture. This award is sponsored by Purina Animal Nutrition, LLC/Land O’ Lakes, Inc.

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