Dennis Padgitt has been a member of the Agriculture Department at Northwest Missouri State University, Maryville, for 36 years.
Born at Kellerton, Iowa, Jan. 1, 1939, he holds a degree in agricultural education granted by Iowa State University in 1960. In 1961 he married Janice McDowell, a 22, year stockbroker with Edward Jones, and they have two children. Daughter Denise has two sons – Brandon and Brett – and she is a “stay-at-home mom” living in Olathe, Kans., with husband Jim Easley. Son Doug and wife Janette have a daughter, Lauren, and they live in Maryville. Doug is a stock broker and Janette is a NWMSU faculty member and teaches biology.
Dennis also holds M.S. and Ph.D. degrees granted by the University of Missouri in 1964 and 1967. Fred Martz served as his graduate adviser.
He has taught a variety of animal science courses with primary emphasis on reproduction, nutrition, and dairy production. Dennis has been doing embryo transfer work for 20 years primarily for the purpose of teaching, research, and the genetic improvement of the University’s dairy and beef herds.
As a dedicated teacher Dennis coaches the University’s dairy cattle judging team. In addition, he has conducted dairy judging events for FFA and 4-H youth. He has received numerous awards for teaching excellence and service to the University. As the faculty adviser for the University Dairy, Dennis was instrumental in the building of new dairy facilities in 2001. In short, Dennis is a true educator who has devoted a life time of service to teaching and research in the animal science field.
Our honoree is a lifetime member of the American Dairy Science Association, a member of the International Embryo Transfer Society, and is also a member of the Missouri Holstein Association. Locally, he is a member of the Methodist Church, Country Club, and other organizations.
He was nominated to receive the Dairy Hall of Honors Meritorious Service Award by both the Missouri Dairy Association and the Missouri Holstein Association. In addition, Fritz Hegeman, northwest Missouri dairyman, Cosby, wrote a letter supporting Dennis’ nomination.
“I personally feel that Dr. Padgitt is a deserving candidate for the Meritorious Service Award. His influence and leadership in the dairy industry spans three generations.” Fritz wrote.
“Dr. Padgitt has never been one to ‘toot his own horn’ so please allow me to do it for him. He is a favorite and respected teacher among his students. It is my understanding that had it not been for Dr. Padgitt’s influence among his peers and his University’s administration the University’s dairy farm would have been sacrificed to budget cuts,” Fritz continued. “Furthermore, Dr. Padgitt has been an invaluable source of information and service not only to dairy producers in north Missouri but also to producers throughout our four-state region,” he concluded.
Transcription by Sharon R. Becker, June of 2017
