Artist: Richard Stewart Halstead (born 1947)
David R. Hawkins
HAWKINS, DAVID R. (born 1941), inducted 2013
Native Ohioan David Hawkins earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science from The Ohio State University in 1963 and remained at the school to obtain his Master of Science degree in animal breeding and genetics. He accepted a teaching assistantship at Michigan State University, where he completed a Ph.D. in ruminant nutrition in 1969. Dr. Hawkins joined the MSU faculty as assistant professor, rising to full professor and coordinator of undergraduate programs, with responsibility over course and curriculum development. As faculty coordinator of the MSU Beef Cattle Teaching Center, Dr. Hawkins developed a world-recognized source of superior Angus and Hereford genetics. He coached the MSU Intercollegiate Livestock Judging Team for several years in the 1970s and continued to serve as mentor to subsequent judging coaches.
From 1996 to 2005, Dr. Hawkins was Superintendent of the National Senior Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest at the North American International Livestock Exposition. He led several student study abroad tours to Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England and received the Chevalier award from the Australian Angus Society for his work with student exchange programs. In demand as a judge, Dr. Hawkins was invited to judge national beef cattle breed shows and give seminars in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Europe, and 36 states of the USA. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Ohio State and was inducted into the OSU Animal Science Hall of Fame. The American Society of Animal Science honored Dr. David Hawkins with three national awards— Distinguished Teacher, Animal Industry Service, and Fellow.
Source: Saddle & Sirloin Guidebook 2026, p. 106