Department of Animal Science

EAST LANSING, Mich. – Pamela Ruegg, D.V.M., M.P.V.M, has been named chair of the Michigan State University (MSU) Department of Animal Science. Ruegg will start at the beginning of the spring 2018 semester.

She replaces Janice Swanson, Ph.D., who has served more than seven years as chair of the department. Swanson will return to research and teaching.

“Dr. Ruegg joins a strong animal science department and will continue the work done by those who have laid the groundwork for success,” said Ron Hendrick, dean of the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.

Ruegg is a professor and Extension milk quality specialist in the Department of Dairy Science at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. She received her undergraduate degree and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from MSU. She completed a residency in food animal herd health and reproductive management and Master of Preventive Veterinary Medicine at the University of California–Davis.

“I am excited about working with an outstanding faculty in an environment that is deeply connected with the stakeholders,” Ruegg said. “I hope to continue building on the legacy of excellence in research, teaching,  outreach and extension that MSU is known for. I am also excited to reconnect with many friends in Michigan agriculture.

“There are numerous opportunities for students to have great careers working in agriculture or with companion animals but sometimes all the career choices aren’t obvious,” she said. “We need to ensure that we have programs that meet the needs of the traditional animal science student while also reaching out to ensure that students who may not be considering animal science feel welcome and understand the opportunities that exist.”

Prior to joining the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Ruegg spent time in private practice and in academic faculty positions at the Atlantic Veterinary College in Prince Edward Island, Canada, and the College of Veterinary Medicine at MSU as well as in corporate technical service.

Ruegg is active in a number of industry organizations and is a past president of the National Mastitis Council. Her Extension program is focused on developing programs that help farmers maintain healthy cows, and improving milk quality and safety on dairy farms.

She has received a number of awards for research and extension programs. She maintains a popular milk quality website (http://milkquality.wisc.edu) with a goal of providing practical tools and resources to help farmers, consultants and veterinarians.

Ruegg’ s research interests are focused on using epidemiologic techniques to solve critical issues related to animal health and milk quality. She enjoys bridging the gap between research and practical applications on dairy farms.

Ruegg was born and raised in St. Ignace, Michigan, and is proud of her “Yooper” heritage. She and her husband, Keith Morgen, have two adult sons, Sam and Lucas.