Animal Science professor follows in father's path
By Geri Schuler, Jenks, Okla.
A father’s footsteps can be hard to follow,
but David Buchanan took the first step when he entered college more than
30 years ago.
Buchanan, Oklahoma State University animal science professor, was born
in Fargo, N.D., and grew up on a small ranch in Glyndon, Minn. He received
his bachelor of science with honors at North Dakota State University and
his master’s degree and doctorate at the University of Nebraska.
“I went into college wanting to be an animal science professor,”
said Buchanan.
Buchanan took the next step when he studied animal genetics, the subject
his father, M. L. Buchanan, taught at NDSU.
“I can honestly say he led me into the profession by his example,
but he did not push me into it,” said Buchanan.
“Dave is an individual who has dedicated his entire career to working with undergraduate and graduate students alike,” said Rodney Geisert, OSU professor of animal science. “I have seldom seen a faculty member who has more concern for each individual student’s success.”
Buchanan’s concern goes beyond the classroom. He has served as the adviser for many clubs in the department and is often sought by students for that purpose. His walls are filled with teaching and advising awards.
“I greatly enjoy advising, as well as teaching,” said Buchanan. “The routine advising on what classes to take is okay. However, the more serious teaching opportunities, both individual and group, that happen because I advise students and organizations present the true joy of advising.”
Currently, he is the adviser for Cowboys for Christ, Agricultural Student Council and Oklahoma Collegiate Cattlewomen. In addition, he has served on the OSU Faculty Council and many other committees for the college.
Buchanan is respected not only by students and faculty, but also by the A&M Board of Regents, with whom he has worked as a faculty council chairman.
“I attended one of his classes, which was large and had few empty chairs,” said attorney Gary Clark and former chairman of the A&M Board of Regents. “By the end of the class, I could see why Dr. Buchanan is such a popular professor among the students. Not only was he well prepared and authoritative in presenting the material, but his visible concern for his students and their understanding of the subject matter was obvious to all. He used a variety of techniques to share his enthusiasm for the subject, and it was infectious.”
It is an honor to have respect from professionals, but graduate and undergraduate students show this same enthusiasm for his classes.
“Receiving awards directly from students is extra special,” said Buchanan. “I look back on the special relationships I have had with students over the years and believe that those relationships represent the best rewards for teaching.”
Graduate students also seek out Buchanan as a member of their doctoral committees.
“Dave is not only involved with teaching but is also the single most sought after thesis and dissertation committee member in our department,” said Geisert.
This isn’t because he is easy on the students, but because he is patient and tries to help students.
Buchanan’s dedication is seen in his effort to meet the needs of his students . For those who want to be professors or teachers, he aids in professional skill development. He holds seminars to show them how to incorporate presentation software effectively in their teaching. He also has the students present practice lectures, which he critiques.
Having the opportunity to help graduate students is fun for Buchanan.
“I want others to find their way to the same satisfaction I receive from teaching,” he said.
Dana Bay, OSU alumna, uses the experience she gained from Buchanan in her teaching position at Northwestern Oklahoma State University.
“As a young, new graduate and first-year teacher, I was scared to death,” said Bay. “He [Buchanan] has always given me the assistance and encouragement I needed. He has helped me prepare several of my courses, given me access to his course material and was always willing to answer any questions that I had.”
Buchanan’s presence is also felt in the hallways of the animal science building.
“He has been honored with about every university teaching award available,” said Geisert. “However, if asked, Dave would say receiving the Alpha Zeta teaching award from the undergraduates would be the one he feels the most honored to receive.”
Within the last year he received four awards, including the Agricultural Ambassadors Outstanding Teacher award, the OSU President’s Service Award, CASNR’s Sarkey’s Distinguished Professor Award and the American Society of Animal Science Distinguished Teaching Award.
Buchanan credits much of his success to his family, a family he is proud of and enjoys talking about.
He and Cindy, his wife of 26 years, have three children: Michael, 21; Peter, 18; and Amy, 16.
“Family is crucial,” said Buchanan. “My work, important as it is, ranks third in my life after my faith and my family.”
For David Buchanan, his journey may have started by following in his father’s footsteps, but he has since left his own impression on the department of animal science and the university.
