Dr. David Hawkins of Mason, Michigan, and professor emeritus at Michigan State University, dedicated his career to teaching and mentoring animal science students. In addition to classroom teaching and advising, he instructed meat animal evaluation courses and coached collegiate livestock judging teams.  

As faculty coordinator of the university’s Beef Cattle Teaching Center, he led genetic improvement of the university’s Angus and Hereford beef cattle herd, producing many national champions. In addition, the university’s cattle and semen were sold worldwide.  

Throughout his career, Hawkins held a passion for evaluating outstanding livestock and judged cattle at major shows in United States, Australia, Canada and Denmark. As the result of his international travels for shows and seminars, he established a visiting scholar program at Michigan State University for Angus students from Australia.  

Looking over his career, Hawkins says his most significant contribution was inspiring students to achieve excellence.