Thatcher receives 2024 CANR Outstanding Alumni Award
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EmailWilliam Thatcher, Ph.D., will receive the 2024 CANR Outstanding Alumni Award during the annual ANR Awards on Friday, March 1.
William Thatcher, Ph.D., of Gainesville, Florida, will receive a Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR) Outstanding Alumni Award at the March 1 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.
Thatcher earned his Ph.D. in animal science from MSU in 1968 and joined the Department of Dairy Science (now Animal Sciences) at the University of Florida in 1969 where he spent his entire professional career. His scholarship focused on bovine reproductive biology and physiology and the impact he has had in agriculture is one that only a handful of academicians will ever experience in their career. He retired in 2004 and is an Emeritus Professor.
Widely considered one of the international giants in the fields of animal and veterinary sciences, Thatcher’s groundbreaking work has dramatically influenced how researchers and producers think about and manage dairy cattle. The practical applications of his academic discoveries are seen every day on farms throughout the world and have influenced many in academia, industry and agriculture. Among his many scientific contributions, Thatcher’s work significantly changed how dairy cow reproduction is managed, facilitating the use of artificial insemination, advancing our understanding of bovine fertility and furthering knowledge of how heat and humidity affect reproduction in cows.
Thatcher’s prolific research career is virtually unmatched in his field. His research is summarized in 430 peer-reviewed publications. He has authored 55 book chapters and has over 51,000 citations. Research.com ranks Thatcher as the 2nd most influential scientist in the world in Animal and Veterinary Sciences.
While generation of new knowledge was the foundation of Bill’s academic career, he also embraced the training of students as a critical component of his work. Thatcher has been one of the most influential mentors of young scientists in dairy cattle reproduction, directing the research programs of 73 graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and visiting scientists in his own lab and serving on graduate committees of over 100 graduate students at the University of Florida and elsewhere. Students who were educated by Thatcher serve as university faculty and industry leaders in 30 different countries.
Thatcher has received over 20 major scientific awards including the highest awards given by the American Dairy Science Association, the American Society of Animal Science, the International Embryo Transfer Society and the Society for the Study of Reproduction.
While officially retired, Thatcher continues to contribute scientifically by editing books, writing, advising faculty and graduate students and reviewing manuscripts. He is respected both for his scientific achievements as well as his collegiality, generosity and friendship.
