“While ASAS meetings are renowned for their scientific engagement, I believe the connections and friendships
we forge with fellow animal scientists are the true gems of these gatherings.” Mike Galyean, Ph.D
(Above: Mike and Charlotte Galyean)
As my wife, Charlotte, and I reminisce about our journey that began in the quaint town of Hobbs, NM, where we first met because our parents attended the same church, we are filled with gratitude for the life we have built together. From humble beginnings to a life surrounded by loved ones and countless opportunities to give back, we feel truly blessed.
Reflecting on the connections and memories formed within our "animal science family tree" brings a smile to our faces, warms our hearts, and even generates a few laughs. My career path, initially aimed at becoming a veterinarian, took an unexpected turn into the world of animal science, leading to a fulfilling and surreal professional journey. Drs. G. Stanley Smith, Don Wagner, and Fred Owens served as the roots of mentorship and guidance in my life, shaping my career, which then branched out through me to my 60+ graduate students. For all of us, whether as a mentor or mentee, we are part of the ripple effect, shaping the paths of those around us. At the root of these many connections is the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS).
Through my undergraduate advisor at New Mexico State University, Dr. G. Stanley Smith, I discovered ASAS and the value of the Journal of Animal Science (JAS). As a student, I was honored to receive an ASAS Academic Achievement award, and I still proudly wear the lapel pin that came with it! Upon returning to NMSU as a faculty member, Stan became not just a colleague but a mentor as I embarked on my career. His emphasis on attending ASAS National Meetings and publishing in the JAS has stayed with me throughout the years. It's amazing to see how his influence also impacted one of my Ph.D. students, Joel Caton, who married Kristina, one of Stan’s daughters (the family tree extended!), and later Joel became deeply involved with ASAS, serving as President and taking on various editorial roles with JAS.
In December 1973, Charlotte and I married. She was finishing up her art education degree at Abilene Christian University, and I had just completed my first semester of graduate school at Oklahoma State University. It was at OSU that Drs. Donald Wagner and Fred Owens played a pivotal role in guiding me toward publishing research. Like Stan, they, too, emphasized the significance of the JAS as a leading platform for my work and the importance of attending ASAS meetings. Following Fred's lead as Editor-in-Chief and President, I was fortunate enough to serve as Editor-in-Chief from 2002 to 2005 and as President in 2008 - the year of the ASAS Centennial.
Having exceptional mentorship throughout my career, I made it a priority to instill in my graduate students the significance of ASAS in their professional and personal journeys. Many of my students have become esteemed members of the Editorial Board of the JAS and have served on the ASAS Board of Directors. Notably, my former students like Joel Caton and Glenn Duff have even held the distinguished position of ASAS President. A highlight for me has been the establishment of an ASAS Foundation Appreciation Club in my honor, a gesture that has been generously supported by many of my former students and one that Charlotte and I are committed to continuing our support in the years to come.
Through all these years, ASAS has always held a special place in my and Charlotte's hearts, as well as in the hearts of our children, Joseph, Kevan, and Kyle. I’m guessing many of you can relate to some of our most memorable ASAS meeting experiences, when meetings were held on college campuses, and we would pack up the kids in the car and turn the meeting into a family getaway. Even today, our adult sons cherish the memories of those trips.
(Above: Mike, Kevan, Charlotte, Kyle and Joseph)
We formed lasting friendships at the meetings, with one standout being Bob and Grace Wettemann. Charlotte and Grace stay connected through text messages, especially during Texas Tech and Oklahoma State athletic events (Go Pokes!). And my bond with Bob grew strong as we spent numerous hours in ASAS Board meetings. While ASAS meetings are renowned for their scientific engagement, I believe the connections and friendships we forge with fellow animal scientists are the true gems of these gatherings.
Our commitment to giving back through university scholarships, support for local to international organizations, and contributions to the ASAS Foundation has been a source of joy and fulfillment. We take great pride in instilling the values of generosity and compassion in our children, their spouses, and three grandchildren. We know that coming from humble beginnings, success often begins with that first hand-up.
We encourage you to reflect on the deep roots and long branches of your own animal science family tree and the impact of ASAS in your lives and to consider creating a legacy through the ASAS Foundation’s 1908 Society. Together, let's continue nurturing the growth of future professors, researchers, and industry leaders. Our actions today shape a brighter future for the next generation of leaders in the animal science community.
For information about ASAS Foundation's 1908 Society, visit online HERE, or contact
Amy Brainard, ASAS Chief Development Officer at amyb@asas.org or (217) 729-7600.
