Contacts:
Dr. Rodney "Butch" Baker, College of Veterinary Medicine, (515) 294-
Ms. Tracy Ann Raef, College of Veterinary Medicine, (515) 294-4602
April 4, 2011
The College of Veterinary Medicine announces the appointment of Dr. Rodney "Butch" Baker as the second holder of the Dr. David R. Trask Professorship in Entrepreneurial Studies. He replaces inaugural holder of the professorship Dr. Don Draper who retired in December 2010.
Dr. Baker is a senior clinician in the Food Supply Veterinary Services Unit at Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Prior to joining the staff at Iowa State in 2006, he was a clinical associate professor at North Carolina State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Baker's career in veterinary medicine began as a mixed-animal practitioner in Kentucky. After 17 years in private practice, he spent a year in the animal health industry, four years with a pig breeding-stock company and three years as director of health assurance in a large integrated pork production company. He is a 1978 graduate of Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine.
"Dr. Baker brings a wealth of diversified experience and knowledge to our students," said Dr. Lisa K. Nolan, Dr. Stephen G. Juelsgaard Dean of Veterinary Medicine. "His enthusiasm and commitment to providing practical business and entrepreneurial skills will greatly enhance our students’ ability to succeed and excel in their chosen fields of veterinary medicine."
The professorship is one of the first in veterinary entrepreneurial studies in the nation. Named for an ISU alumnus Dr. David R. Trask ('75), who created the professorship in 2008, as part of his lifelong interest in helping students to become successful business people and entrepreneurs, as well as outstanding practitioners of veterinary medicine.