Smith named distinguished alumnus
Dr. Bob Smith was recognized as the 2023 Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences and Industry Distinguished Alumnus on Nov. 13.
Smith was born in Pittsburg, Kansas, where he grew up on a small livestock operation. He obtained his bachelor’s (1968) and master’s (1970) degrees from K-State ASI and attended K-State for veterinary school. Following veterinary school, he completed a large animal medicine and surgery internship and clinical instructorship at Oklahoma State University. In the above courtesy photo, K-State department of animal science head Mike Day (at left) is pictured with Smith.
While at OSU, he was a field services clinician, with concurrent responsibilities for clinical research on stocker cattle diseases. He then worked as a feedlot veterinarian for two years and then returned to OSU for 10 years and is currently Professor Emeritus at OSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
Smith joined the Veterinary Research and Consulting Services LLC, in 2000, with primary practice emphasis on feedlot and stocker health and management. The 11 veterinarians associated with the practice provide service to feedlot clients in 10 states. In 1983 he was certified as a diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. While serving as the Food Animal Regent for the ABVP, he led the effort to establish specialties in swine, dairy and beef practice, making board certification more attractive to veterinarians whose practice deals intensely with one species.
During his career, Smith was involved in 45 research studies, producing 30 research reports and co-authoring or authoring over 30 peer-reviewed manuscripts. He has served as president of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, the Academy of Veterinary Consultants, and the Western Veterinary Conference. He was instrumental in developing and implementing the Beef Quality Assurance Program used as guidelines by thousands of beef cattle producers in the U.S. Smith has been recognized numerous times for his contributions to veterinary medicine and the beef industry.
“The ASI Department is proud to recognize Bob Smith as the 2023 Distinguished Alumnus,” said Dr. Mike Day, K-State ASI department head. “His impacts on many facets of the beef industry revolve around his commitment to taking a science-based approach to increase the quality of beef. His influence extends across producers, industry organizations, the animal sciences, the veterinary community and others. It was great to have him in the ASI department for a day to interact with students, faculty and staff.”
Dr. Smith and his wife, Gerri, have four children and 10 grandchildren.
