Animal Science Newsletter – Spring 2024

FROM THE DEPARTMENT HEAD

There are a lot of new faces, changes, and updates to share. I am certainly among the newer faces and have thoroughly enjoyed my first year at Cal Poly. In my role as department head, I’ve had the opportunity to visit with many stakeholders ranging from students, staff and faculty, alumni and our many industry supporters and friends. The Cal Poly family is real.

The Animal Science Department is thriving and moving forward. The academic program is going strong. The faculty have been working hard on the conversion from quarters to semesters that will begin in fall 2026. With a significant boost from a one-time funding obtained by Dean Emeritus Andy Thulin, renovations of the dairy and creamery are in the works, as well as major fencing improvements and updating of vehicles, tractors and equipment. Even more exciting is the new Charles and Claire Jacobsen Animal Health Center that we are breaking ground on this spring. The center will embrace hands-on, Learn by Doing opportunities for students and shape the next generation of leaders in veterinary medicine, animal healthcare and animal agriculture.

I hope you will enjoy reading just a bit of what is happening in the Animal Science Department. We are looking forward to sharing much more in the future.

George R. Gallagher
Department Head

College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences