Marion E. Ensminger
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- "Doc E"
- Gene Ensminger
- Animal scientist
- educator
- author
Marion Eugene Ensminger | |
|---|---|
| Born | 28 May 1908 |
| Died | 5 July 1998 (aged 90) Clovis, California, USA |
| Other names |
|
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | c. 1934–c. 1995 |
| Known for | Contributions to animal agriculture |
| Spouse |
Audrey Helen Watts (m. 1941) |
| Children | 1 |
| Awards | Bouffault International Animal Agriculture Award |
| Academic background | |
| Alma mater | |
| Academic work | |
| Institutions |
|
| Notable works | 22 books on animal science and husbandry |
Marion Eugene ("Gene") Ensminger (1908–1998), affectionately known as "Doc E," was an American animal scientist, educator, and author. He made significant contributions to the field of animal agriculture and helped advance knowledge and improve practices in livestock management through his research, writing, teaching, and international outreach. He is the author of 22 books on animal science and husbandry.
Ensminger was born on May 28, 1908 in Stover, Missouri, to a family with deep agricultural roots. He was the second of seven children who were raised on a general livestock and dairy farm. Ensminger completed a bachelor's degree in science and Master of Arts degree from the University of Missouri. He obtained his doctorate from the University of Minnesota in 1941.[1] In the same year, he married Audrey Helen Watts, who hailed from Winnipeg, Canada. The pair met at the University of Minnesota where they worked together as colleagues. The couple had one son, John.[2]
Ensminger began his career in 1934[2] as a manager of the Dixon Hills Experiment Station, which was operated by the University of Illinois.[3] He then started teaching at the University of Massachusetts and, later, at the University of Minnesota. Ensminger began working as a faculty at Washington State College (now Washington State University) in 1941. He was appointed in 1944 as chair of its animal science department, a position he held until 1962.[2] His initiatives included the establishment of a doctoral program in animal sciences for the university and the development of Hilltop Stables, which became one of the leading light-horse facilities in the U.S.[2] His department achieved recognition for this highly rated program.[4]
Awards and recognition
Ensminger received several awards and recognitions. One of these was the Bouffault International Animal Agriculture Award, which cited him as “one of the world’s great humanitarians”.[2] The University of Ukraine conferred on Ensminger in 1994 an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree in recognition of his works. the Iowa State University awarded Ensminger with an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree for his achievements and contribution to animal science, education, and international agriculture; and a mural, painted in 1998 by Jason Gaillard, called The Life and Times of M.E. Ensminger, was donated to ISU and hangs in its museum.[5] WSU also named its beef center, M.E. Ensminger Beef Cattle Center in his honor.[1]
Ensminger died on July 5, 1998 at his home in Clovis, California.[1]
