John R. Campbell, BS ’55, MS ’56, PhD ’60, DS ’05, DLitt '13 is remembered as a renowned animal and dairy scientist and recognized authority on land-grant colleges and universities who taught over 12,000 students during his lifetime.
President emeritus of Oklahoma State University and former dean of agriculture at the University of Illinois, Campbell has been affiliated with three universities, including MU, where he was on the dairy science faculty from 1960 to 1977. His dedicated service, motivational skills and commitment to excellence have been celebrated at these universities.
He co-authored a number of books including In Touch with Students: A Philosophy for Teachers (1972), The Science of Animals That Service Humanity 5th ed. (1969–2010), and The Science of Providing Milk for Man (1975). His book Reclaiming a Lost Heritage: Land-Grant and Other Higher Education Initiatives for the Twenty-First Century (1995), brought him widespread recognition as an authority on land-grant institutions and led to his service on university teams throughout the world. Other works by Campbell include Companion Animals: Their Biology, Care, Health, and Management (2005, 2008), Dairy Production and Processing, The Science of Milk and Milk Products (2016), and Dry Rot in the Ivory Tower... A Case for Fumigation, Ventilation, and Renewal of the Academic Sanctuary.
He was a consultant to the World Bank in India, helping extend the U.S. land-grant education model to developing countries. He served three consultancies with USAID in Egypt on education and food production.
Most importantly he was a loving husband, father and grandfather as well as a beloved friend and colleague. At his family’s request, gifts in memory of John may be directed to the John R. Campbell Endowment for Student Scholarships and Education Enrichment Fund.