Riley, Jack G.
Professor EmeritusPassed away December 26, 2017.
Area(s) of Specialization
Beef Production and ManagementInternational Program
Livestock Production and Management
Ruminant Nutrition
Education
B.S. , University of Missouri, 1962M.S. , University of Missouri, 1963
Ph.D. , University of Missouri, 1968
Bio Brief
Dr. Jack G. Riley is a native of Hamilton, Missouri and obtained his B.S. (1962) and M.S. degrees (1963) in Animal Husbandry from the University of Missouri. From 1963 to 1965 he served as Extension Livestock Specialist and from 1965-1966 was an instructor, both in the University of Missouri, Animal Husbandry Department. He returned to college and received a Ph.D. in Ruminant Nutrition from the University of Missouri in 1968. He accepted a full-time teaching position in Animal Science at Western Illinois University where he stayed until 1971 at which time he moved to Kansas State University for a 70% teaching - 30% research assignment in the Animal Sciences and Industry Department. Dr. Riley's main interest has always been teaching and he has taught more than 7000 students in 35 years of active classroom involvement. In addition, he advised at least 30 undergraduate students each year until becoming department head in 1987.
Dr. Riley was active in beef cattle research, especially in the areas of protein requirements, crop residue utilization, growth promoting implants and feed additives. He was faculty coordinator of the beef research unit for 16 years and coordinator of all research activities in the Animal Sciences and Industry Department for three years.
Since becoming department head in 1987, Dr. Riley has encouraged undergraduate and graduate student participation in the department. Courses have been revised to provide greater "hands-on" experiences and curriculum modification and innovation have been implemented. The K-State Animal Sciences department is the second largest in the U.S. and their students receive the most recognition for extramural activities such as National Champion Livestock Judging five consecutive years.
After completing 17 years as department head, Dr. Riley entered a phased retirement program and maintains a 75% appointment with primary responsibilities as Director of the International Meat and Livestock Program (IMLP) and teaching Senior Seminar, Internship and Principles of Feeding. His current appointment is split between 55% teaching, 10% research and 10% International Meat and Livestock Program.
Dr. Riley is a Fellow in ASAS and has served as officer and/or director of many professional and university organizations including the Manhattan Rotary Club. He and his wife Jan have two sons that are graduates of KSU.