Dr. Jason Ross is an Iowa native with strong family connection to Iowa agriculture. He earned an undergraduate degree in Animal Science from Iowa State, then both a master’s degree and a Doctor of Philosophy at Oklahoma State University, ultimately building a career focused on animal agriculture, particularly swine production, reproductive physiology and biotechnology.
He returned to Iowa State in 2008 as a faculty member in the Department of Animal Science, with responsibilities in research and teaching. From 2015 to 2022, he served as director of the Iowa Pork Industry Center, working closely with producers, industry partners and organizations across Iowa and nationally. In 2022, Dr. Ross was named chair of the Department of Animal Science. He leads a department with about 46 faculty, 85 graduate students and more than 1,000 undergraduate students.
1. What brought you back to Iowa State? Why have you stayed?
Iowa has always been home to me, but what brought me back professionally was the opportunity to work at Iowa State University and follow my professional passion in the department where it was first ignited. Few places offer the combination Iowa State does: a world-class research university located in the middle of one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world.
I’ve stayed here because of the people I’ve been able to work with, and the opportunity to make an impact for students and stakeholders. Iowa agriculture is remarkably innovative, and our farmers, producers and industry partners are willing to work with the university to solve problems and explore new ideas. This is one of the very few institutions that effectively integrate all aspects of the land grant mission — teaching, research, and Extension — in unison and collaboration with the industry. At the same time, we are educating students who will become the next generation of leaders. That combination of discovery, education and real-world impact is difficult to replicate.
2. What are your priorities in the Animal Science department at Iowa State?
My overarching priority is to ensure that Iowa State remains one of the leading animal science programs in the country and is positioned to lead animal agriculture into the future. That of course, starts with people. We focus on recruiting outstanding faculty and staff, attracting talented students from Iowa and across the country, and providing those students with an exceptional education giving them a competitive advantage entering the workforce and thriving while there.
Another major priority is strengthening our connections with farmers and producers, commodity organizations and industry. Some of our greatest opportunities will come from public-private partnerships that bring together university expertise and industry capabilities to solve today’s challenges and create opportunities of the future.
We are also placing significant emphasis on innovation. Animal science and related industries represent rapidly changing fields affected by precision technologies, data sciences, and entrepreneurship. This focus has shaped emerging research thrusts in our department and also culminated in the development of a new undergraduate major, Animal Enterprise and Innovation. Iowa State should be at the forefront of developing those technologies and, just as importantly, educating the future of the industry in how to apply and use them to enhance the state's capacity in agriculture.
Finally, we will continue investing in the farms, laboratories and facilities that allow our students and faculty and staff to effectively execute our mission activities in teaching, research and Extension in a way that is relevant to Iowa agriculture.
3. What makes the Iowa State Animal Science program unique?
One of our greatest strengths is the breadth of the program. We integrate teaching, research and Extension across virtually every aspect of animal agriculture—from genetics, nutrition, physiology and animal health to meat science, behavior, precision livestock technology and production systems. Our curriculum involves every major livestock species plus equine and companion animals.
We have an exceptional academic program where faculty and staff remain student-focused on creating experiential learning opportunities and employing high-impact practices. Students have access to farm employment, research experiences, internships, judging programs, student organizations and a deep connection to industry professionals. Those experiences help explain why our graduates are so highly sought after, with an exceptional career placement rate.
Iowa State Animal Science sits in the middle of one of the most diversified animal-agriculture regions in the world. That creates opportunities for our faculty and students to work on relevant problems in collaboration with industry partners and the people that the work will impact. For animal science companies, not only is Iowa an exceptionally productive agricultural state with progressive farmers and ranchers, the connections of industry and campus partners to collaborate and pursue innovations together are plentiful.
Companies wishing to innovate are always seeking a talented workforce. Iowa State University is focused and preparing and training people with the skills and abilities to be successful now, and in the future. Companies can also be a partner in the education and research strategies that are used on campus, making the educational experience for students applicable to their careers and capacity for growing companies to expand their workforce in a meaningful and effective way.
4. What advice do you have for someone considering a move to Iowa?
Do it. Personally, Iowa offers an outstanding quality of life, great communities of all sizes, and a great place to have a family. Professionally, it’s the centerpiece of the nation’s agricultural supply chain and the opportunities to partner with others to support and advance agriculture’s ability to produce high-quality and safe food couldn’t be better.
5. Please recommend 3 things to do or places to go in Iowa.
1. Tailgate at Iowa State University for a football game or experience Hilton Magic.
2. Go to the Iowa State Fair.
3. Travel to all four corners of the state to see the diversity in landscapes and the way they shape agricultural enterprises. To really see the beauty of the state, stay on the two-lane roads.
Published October 2026.