Joe Cordray, Professor Emeritus of Animal Science at Iowa State University, was recently presented the Mentor Recognition Award from the American Meat Science Association.
Cordray received his B.S. in Animal Science at Iowa State University in 1971 and went on to Auburn University to complete his M.S. and Ph.D. in Meat Science. He later spent 25 years as an extension meat specialist and also a professor in the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University. Dr. Cordray was well known for the short courses and workshops he coordinated for both national and international audiences.
He was a long-time member of the American Meat Science Association and other professional organizations, and has been honored with many awards over the years including being named a member of the Meat Industry Hall of Fame in 2017.
The American Meat Science Association Mentor Recognition is a unique way for fellow AMSA members, former graduate students, and colleagues to recognize individuals that have made a lasting impact on their careers. A mentor recognition honoring Dr. Cordray was announced during the 2020 International Congress of Meat Science and Technology and the Reciprocal Meat Conference. Gifts totaling more than $30,000 established the endowment. The Joe Cordray mentor recognition will provide on-going annual support to the AMSA program, communication, and outreach activities.
Dr. Steven Lonergan, Dr. Joe Sebranek, and Mr. Matt Wenger served as tri-chairs for the mentor recognition fund development. Dr. Lonergan commented that so many people were eager to honor Dr. Cordray with a gift to the mentorship. “Dr. Cordary served so many people in the meat industry, in government, and academia. This mentorship is a fitting tribute to an impactful career.”
Collette Kaster, CEO of AMSA, stated, “We are so proud that AMSA can honor Dr. Cordray in this way. His leadership and welcoming personality set the standard for outreach activities in meat science”.
More information can be found at: https://meatscience.org/amsa-council/mentor-recognition-program/mentor/joe-cordray-candidate-for-mentor-recognition