Ann Dunnington honored with emerita status

Ann Dunnington, professor of animal science in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of professor emerita by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The emeritus title may be conferred on retired professors, associate professors, and administrative officers who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands in recognition of exemplary service to the university. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive a copy of the resolution and a certificate of appreciation.

A member of the Virginia Tech community since 1986, Dunnington conducted poultry genetic and behavioral research with colleagues around the world. That work produced a large body of scientific literature in the form of peer-reviewed journal articles and review articles, including poultry and equine species, and covering disciplines that included genetics, behavior, and management.

Dunnington was designated a Thompson Highly Cited Researcher for her work in DNA fingerprinting.

In addition, she developed and expanded a European sport horse breeding program that was unique among land-grant universities. The collection of equine specimens she developed was used extensively in the undergraduate teaching program.

She also developed and taught a wide variety of undergraduate courses in both the poultry science and the animal and poultry sciences programs and initiated several courses that became the basis for the companion animal emphasis in the APSC department. She served undergraduate students as an academic advisor and faculty advisor of student organizations throughout her career.

For more than a decade, Dunnington oversaw the equine portion of the Hokie Harvest Sale, which generated funding to support the continuation of the equitation, teaching, and breeding programs.

Dunnington received her bachelor's degree, master's degree, and Ph.D. from Virginia Tech.