The John S. Donald Excellence in Teaching Award was established in 1976 by Delma Woodburn in honor of her father, John Donald, a Short Course instructor, political figure and farmer. This award is presented to a deserving faculty or staff member who teaches in the Farm and Industry Short Course Program. Eric Ronk is a 2022 recipient based on his contributions to both the Farm and Industry Short Course and the Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences.
From 2016 to 2020, Eric taught four classes each year for the FISC program. In Fall 2020, Eric became the primary instructor of the Animal and Dairy Sciences introductory course. Because of the pandemic, he was tasked with making a full transition to online teaching, which he did remarkably.
Although Eric’s loyalty and service to the FISC program has been central to his career, Eric contributes to leadership across CALS. He serves as the advisor for the Badger Dairy Club and oversees its fundraising and professional development activities such as the World Dairy Expo, Badger Invitational Sale, and senior trip. Eric is also heavily involved in designing the curriculum for Animal and Dairy Sciences majors as a contributor to the Curriculum Committee.
During his 5-year tenure as an instructor, Eric has gone above and beyond to support his colleagues, undergraduate and graduate mentees, and students in their professional pursuits.