Beck recognized with Award of Distinction

By By the U of A System Division of Agriculture, 10/4/21 3:03 PM

FAYETTEVILLE — Former University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture livestock specialist Paul Beck was among four honored with Awards of Distinction by the department of animal science at the University of Arkansas.

Beck was named an Awards of Distinction winner in 2020, but his recognition was delayed until Sept. 28 of this year because of 2020’s COVID closures. “Each awardee was recognized for his contributions to animal science industry and research, as well as to the department of animal science,” said Mike Looper, head of the department. “It’s an honor to be represented in so many aspects of the livestock industry by these graduates.”

Paul Beck has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Oklahoma State University and his Ph.D. from University of Arkansas, along with an M.B.A from Southern Arkansas University. Beck joined the faculty at the Southwest Research and Extension Center at Hope in 2004 with appointments both with the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service. He was promoted to associate professor in 2008, and professor in 2012, before retiring from his Division of Agriculture position in 2018 after 21 years. Beck returned to Oklahoma State University as associate professor, beef cattle extension specialist occupying the Dennis and Marta White Endowed Chair. He is an internationally recognized expert in beef production systems and grazing cattle management. Nationally, Beck’s work has been recognized by the American Forage and Grassland Council, Merit Award, the American Society of Animal Science, Early Career Achievement Award and Animal Management Award. The University of Arkansas awarded Paul with the John W. White Outstanding Team Award, the Extension Excellence Team Issue award, as well as the John W. White Research Award.