Dr. John A. Unruh

The criteria for the Scholar Award are: Quality of accomplishments in the nominee's field of study Achievements of regional, national and/or international scope Honors and other forms of recognition for excellence in scholarly work

It gives us great pleasure to present one of the 2004 Phi Kappa Phi Scholar/Meritorious Service Awards to John A. Unruh

Dr. Unruh received both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Animal Sciences at Washington State University and a Ph.D. in Animal Sciences and Industry at Kansas State University.

Dr. Unruh's research interests focus on live animal production and management, carcass composition and quality, and sensory evaluation of meat.

He has authored 38 refereed journal articles, 3 books, 113 technical reports and extension bulletins, and 7 videos. He has given more than 40 international, national, and regional invited presentations, including numerous presentations in Mexico and Costa Rica. He consulted with the government of Costa Rica in developing beef grading standards for industry use and is working with a university in Paraguay to develop a training program for meat industry personnel. Dr. Unruh has been an investigator or co-investigator on competitive grants that have brought in more than $800,000 in research funding.

Dr. Unruh has taught 9 undergraduate and graduate level courses, served as Major Professor for 13 graduate students, and manages to advise 20-28 undergraduates each semester. He has been the recipient of several teaching awards, including the Gamma Sigma Delta Outstanding Teaching Award of Merit, Epsilon Sigma Phi Outstanding New Faculty Award, and was selected twice as KSU College of Agriculture Faculty of the Semester.

Dr. Unruh coached the KSU Collegiate Meats Judging Team for eight years. During that span, his teams placed first or second 24 times in national competitions and brought home two national championships. For the past 7 years he has coordinated the KSU Collegiate Meats Judging Program.

Dr. Unruh has served as chair of a number of American Meat Science Association and Midwestern Section American Society of Animal Science committees as well as serving as President of the American Meat Science Association Intercollegiate Meat Judging Coaches Association.