Utah State Ag Professor Nationally Recognized

Utah State Ag Professor Nationally Recognized

Most people prefer to spend their early morning hours in bed, but for Lyle McNeal, sleep isn’t as important as his students. For the past 25 years he has been in his office by 6:30 a.m., preparing for each day of instruction, which includes working in the classroom, at university farms and on private ranches with students and agriculture professionals.

With such dedication, it isn’t surprising that McNeal, a professor in Utah State University’s College of Agriculture, received one of two national Excellence in Teaching Awards this year from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Agriculture Sciences. McNeal will be given a plaque, a trip to an awards ceremony in New Orleans and a $5,000 stipend.

McNeal said he was honored to receive what he calls "the Oscar" award in his field.

"I was humbled to represent Utah State in receiving this award," McNeal said. "It will help emphasize Utah State’s commitment to teaching."

Criteria for the nomination were based on all aspects of teaching, including interest in students, teaching strategies and professional experience.

"McNeal has an extensive background in animal reproduction, nutrition and genetics," said Noelle Cockett, dean of the College of Agriculture. "He developed a capstone course for freshmen that really excites the students early in their degree program, teaching them principles that are reinforced throughout their entire program." (Full story)