Former UC Davis veterinary school dean dies

Davis, Calif -- Donald Jasper, former dean of the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, died July 25 at the age of 91.

Jasper joined the UC Davis faculty in 1947, when he was hired to manage the university's livestock, and to help develop a new animal clinic. In 1954, he was appointed dean of the veterinary school, a position he would hold for eight years. He returned to his teaching and research position in 1962.

Jasper's research focused on milk quality and mastitis. His many published studies dealt with issues such as mastitis screening and various mechanisms to prevent udder injuries.

In 1967, he received the Borden Award from the American Veterinary Medical Association in recognition of his research contributions in the area of dairy cattle disease control. He was selected by the Fulbright-Hays program to serve as a research scientist in New Zealand in 1975-1976 and as a distinguished professor in Yugoslavia in 1978. In 1987, he received the American Dairy Science Association Award for research on mastitis and milk quality.

"Dr. Jasper was dean, teacher, mentor and friend to many of us who passed through the halls of veterinary medicine as students and colleagues," says Robert Bushnell, a UC Cooperative Extension veterinarian emeritus. "His knowledge and integrity cast a long and lasting influence on our personal and professional lives."