(inspiring music)
- [Narrator] Doctor Michael Galyean came to OSU
after completing his undergrad
at New Mexico State University.
His fellow student, Doctor Andy Cole, was tasked
with keeping him here.
- My job as a graduate student was
by one of the professors, was to keep Mike happy.
They were so proud to have gotten him at Oklahoma State.
They were afraid he was gonna get sad
and go back to New Mexico to be with Charlotte.
- My wife and I actually got married
after my first semester.
So one thing I remember about it is
we had four wonderful years together
at the first part of our marriage.
That was kind of fun.
- [Narrator] After marrying Charlotte,
Michael would receive a masters degree in Animal Science
and a doctorate in Animal Nutrition
from Oklahoma State University.
He worked as faculty at several institutions
over the next several decades,
becoming a leader in animal nutrition research.
In 1998, he became the Thornton Distinguished Chair
in Animal Nutrition at Texas Tech University.
His research became known worldwide for reducing mortality
and increasing feed efficiency.
Doctor Galyean served three terms on the editorial board
of the Journal of Animal Science
and it's Editor in Chief from 2002 to 2005.
Then his career took an unexpected turn.
- Strange things happened in my life
and I agreed to serve as the Interim Dean of the college.
And then the next year in 2012 became the Dean
and then in 2016 became the Interim Provost.
2017 the Provost.
I've told people my best days were when I was sitting
in my office left alone writing journal articles.
So it, you know, transitioning to interacting with people
in that way, I thought would be a challenge.
And it turned out to be one of the most fun parts
of the job.
- He's a very effective leader
because he's not intimidating.
And yet, he's steady.
He's gonna see that it gets done.
- [Narrator] Even as Dean and Provost, Doctor Galyean
continued to be involved in animal nutrition research.
He was the committee chair
to revise the nutrient requirements of beef cattle
for the National Academies of Science,
Engineering, and Medicine.
- Which is the guiding publication and guiding document
for how we feed the cattle in the United States.
And really that publication is widely referenced
around the world.
- Mike was on the committee about 25 years ago
and then just four or five years ago he was asked
to chair the committee.
And again, you know,
that's just a once in a lifetime thing that occurs.
- Very few people can carry out administrative duties
and the other academic roles that they've had,
whether it's in teaching or research or extension.
And for Doctor Galyean it was like it was a non-issue.
He just did it.
- [Narrator] And as a professor,
Doctor Galyean has helped create the next generation
of professors, researchers, and industry leaders.
- Yeah, I think I've had
62 or so graduate students,
masters and PhD students and nine or so post Docs
over the years that have been just remarkable people.
- [Narrator] For all the accomplishments and awards
received during his lifetime, being recognized
by Oklahoma State University still means a lot.
- You know, to be honored
by the college is really, really special.
You know, as a dean, I've watched people be honored
over the years at our ceremonies
and I know how much it means to them,
how they feel about it.
And I've, you know, I get that now.
- [Narrator] Celebrating Doctor Michael Galyean,
2021 Ferguson College of Agriculture, Distinguished Alumnus.