Artist: Robert Wadsworth Grafton (1876–1936)
John Harrison Skinner
SKINNER, JOHN HARRISON (1874–1942), inducted 1915
The first dean of the school of agriculture at Purdue University, serving from 1907 to 1939, J. H. Skinner’s Saddle & Sirloin portrait was funded with subscriptions raised by Purdue students. Born in Romney, Indiana, Skinner graduated from Purdue in 1897 and returned there in 1899 as assistant agriculturist for the experiment station. In 1901–1902, he taught at University of Illinois, before returning once again to Purdue. Skinner was named full professor in 1906 and dean one year later. Dean Skinner dramatically expanded the acreage and facilities at Purdue, increased enrollment, and improved the herds. Three International Live Stock Exposition grand champion steers were awarded during his tenure. He judged sheep at the Louisiana Purchase Exposition and sheep and cattle at the International. Dean Skinner was secretary of the Indiana cattle feeders, livestock breeders, and draft horse breeders associations.
Source: Saddle & Sirloin Guidebook 2026, p. 179