College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Alumni & Friends

Donald Beitz, Ph.D., of Ames, Iowa, will receive the Michigan State University (MSU) College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) Outstanding Alumni Award at the March 7, 2025, ANR Awards Program.

The CANR Outstanding Alumni Awards are given to those who have distinguished themselves by obtaining the highest level of professional accomplishments, and who possess the highest standards of integrity and character.

Under the mentorship of Bill Thomas and Willis Wood, Beitz earned his Ph.D. in 1967 from CANR in Dairy Nutrition & Biochemistry as part of a joint program between the Department Animal Science and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.  His extraordinary career spanning more than five decades as a distinguished professor at Iowa State University (ISU) has been marked by significant contributions to research, teaching and service in the fields of animal science and biochemistry.

Joining the ISU faculty in 1967, Beitz served as a faculty member in the Departments of Animal Science and Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology. Over the years, he achieved significant milestones, including promotions to Associate Professor in 1973, Full Professor in 1977, and Charles F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor of Agriculture in 1989.

A globally recognized scholar, Beitz’s contributions have advanced our understanding of mammalian lipid metabolism and biochemistry. His research addressed areas such as ketosis in dairy cows, the prevention of milk fever and the nutritional and genetic control of animal composition. His collaborative research efforts, particularly with the National Animal Disease Center in Ames, Iowa, and the ISU College of Veterinary Medicine, have focused on topics like cholesterol homeostasis, oxidative stress and the role of diet in fat deposition.

Beitz has published about 300 peer-reviewed manuscripts, about 350 abstracts, and 9 patents, solidifying his reputation as a leading scientist in his field. In addition to his prolific research output, Beitz made a tremendous impact through his dedication to teaching and mentoring the next generation of scientific leaders. He has taught 352 courses in biochemistry, agricultural biotechnology, and nutrition, reaching 15,874 students, including undergraduates, graduate students and veterinary students.

Known for his enthusiasm, engaged teaching style and ability to inspire a love of learning, Beitz has been advisor and mentor to more than 100 graduate students, including 64 M.S. and 43 Ph.D. students. Many of his former students have gone on to pursue successful careers in academia, industry and government, including Dr. Barry Bradford, the Clint Meadows Chair in Dairy Management at CANR.

His mentorship extends beyond graduate advising, as he has also guided numerous undergraduate students, particularly through programs like the ISU Honors Program, the Women in Science and Engineering Program, and the George Washington Carver Scholars Program. In addition to his advising role, Dr. Beitz has served as faculty advisor for several student organizations, including the Beta Sigma Psi social fraternity, Alpha Zeta Agricultural Honor Society and the ISU Pre-Vet Club.

Throughout his career, Beitz has demonstrated a strong commitment to service and leadership, serving on over 70 departmental committees, 32 college committees, and 46 search committees. His leadership has extended to professional scientific societies, where he has been an active member and leader in organizations such as the American Dairy Science Association, the American Society of Animal Science, and the American Society for Nutrition. He has also provided significant service to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) as well as various editorial boards and grant review committees.

Beitz has received multiple honors throughout his career, including National Associate Membership in the National Academy of Sciences and fellowships in the prestigious American Dairy Science Association, American Society of Animal Science and American Society for Nutrition. Additionally, he has been honored for his exceptional teaching, advising and mentoring.

You can learn more about past CANR Outstanding Alumni Award winners here. 

To learn more about the Department of Animal Science, visit https://www.canr.msu.edu/ans/