Dr. Scott Williamson, an animal science professor and a swine unit manager on the campus farm for more than 40 years, passed away this August at 71 years old.

He received the Nicolas Salgo Outstanding Teacher Award in 1988, the Jordan College’s top faculty honor for teaching. Doc, as he was known to many, taught classes and managed the Fresno State swine unit for over 40 years (1985 to 2026), and his hands-on and real-world approach has always been sought after by students. Whether it is in swine production, genetics, animal nutrition, livestock evaluation or environmental management courses, he found every opportunity to find dynamic and captivating experiences where his students can learn the best livestock management practices. He also shaped the lives of countless agricultural students as an Animal Sciences and Agricultural Education Department chair, meat animal evaluation coach and swine show team adviser.

Williamson focused on swine research, particularly nutrition and meat quality. Retired animal science faculty Dr. John Jacobs and Williamson even conducted experiments related to rabbits. He served on the California Pork Producers Board.

Williamson had a profound presence in the rabbit breeding industry and judged in 38 states and countless ARBA conventions and national shows. He was also respected for his four ARBA convention Best of Breed honors; served as a member of the ARBA Standards Committee; and held executive board positions for the American Dutch Rabbit Club, Holland Lop Rabbit Specialty Club, American English Spot Rabbit Club and the California State Rabbit and Cavy Breeders Association.

He was also nationally respected as a swine judge, rabbit breeder and judge and livestock show announcer at events across the nation.

His passion for Dutch rabbits began at American Rabbit Breeders Association events while he grew up in Indiana. He also played football and wrestled in high school. He enjoyed exploring the nearby lakes and woods.

He received his undergraduate degree from Purdue University, where he was a member of its champion livestock judging team and Block and Bridle Club.

At the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, he received a master’s degree in ruminant nutrition and a doctorate in meat science. He also served as manager of the University of Illinois Swine Research Center and adviser for its Hoof ‘n Horn Club for students.

Williamson enjoyed spending time with his family including daughters, Kate, Kelli and Hannah; son, Beau; and seven grandchildren.

All three of his daughters graduated from Fresno State with their bachelor's and master’s degrees. Kate received her undergraduate in liberal studies and her master’s in educational leadership. Kelli double majored in enology and food science and nutrition for undergraduate and got her master’s in food science and nutrition. Hannah received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Department of Animal Sciences and Agricultural Education. She also served as a swine unit student manager and a graduate teaching assistant, where she taught courses in swine production. Beau was a former National FFA president and also attended Fresno State before graduating from Purdue University with his bachelor's degree.

A celebration of life is open to the public at 10:45 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, in the Fresno State Animal Science Pavilion, directly across from the Swine Unit (2654 E. Portals Ave.). Guests are asked to wear shoes appropriate for a dirt floor and a favorite button-up, collared shirt to honor the memory of “Doc.”

In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to the Ag One Foundation in support of the Dr. Scott Williamson Scholarship Fund, 2910 E. Barstow Ave., M/S OF115, Fresno, CA 93740.

Read more about his life and legacy in this obituary and Facebook group.