After more than 40 years of teaching, scholarship, leadership development and service, Auburn University Associate Professor Don Mulvaney announced his professional retirement, effective Oct. 1.
A longtime faculty member in the Department of Animal Sciences, Mulvaney is nationally recognized for his work in animal science education, leadership development and experiential learning.
Mulvaney earned his bachelor’s in animal sciences and agricultural education from the University of Illinois and his master’s and doctoral degrees in animal sciences from Michigan State University. He came to Auburn in 1983 as an assistant professor and has since developed and taught more than 46 distinct undergraduate and graduate courses, ranging from traditional animal science to pioneering leadership and communications offerings.
“Throughout my career, I have seen my role as more than a just a profession — it has been a calling,” Mulvaney said. “I believe I was placed in this position to help shape lives, foster growth, and contribute to something greater than myself. It has been a humbling and deeply rewarding experience to serve students, colleagues and the broader agricultural community.”
As coordinator of leadership and student development, Mulvaney designed and led numerous student-centered initiatives, including the creation of a leadership minor, College of Agriculture leadership programming, and youth development efforts such as Youth in Praxis, Young Adult Cattlemen’s Leadership Program, Beef Industry Scholarship Teams, Quiz Bowl teams, B-ELITE, Beef Ambassador Programs and many others. In recognition of his extensive outreach and impact, he received the 2017 AU Excellence in Faculty Outreach Award.
Mulvaney’s scholarly work is also extensive. He authored or co-authored over 200 scientific abstracts, papers and industry publications, presented widely at national and international conferences, and served as PI or co-PI on grants totaling more than $7 million. He contributed to USDA-funded initiative that helped establish AG*IDEA, a national distance education consortium in agriculture. He is a two-time recipient of the Dean’s Teaching Award, a nominee for the USDA National Excellence in Teaching Award, and the 2024 recipient of the American Society of Animal Science Distinguished Teacher Award.
Beyond the classroom, Mulvaney has advised and mentored numerous student organizations, including Block and Bridle, Ag Ambassadors, Collegiate FFA, Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow and Collegiate Young Farmers. In university-wide service, he’s held influential roles such as secretary and chair of the Auburn University Senate, representing over 2,000 faculty in shared governance. He chaired the Teaching Effectiveness Committee, leading the creation of the Senate Departmental Award for Educational Excellence, and contributed to administrator evaluation panels and presidential search committees.
“Dr. Mulvaney has provided many years of dedicated service to Auburn University and to the Department of Animal Sciences, leading programs and significantly contributing to our teaching, research and extension missions,” said Animal Sciences Department Head Kim Mullenix. “We greatly appreciate Don’s commitment and impact on our students, colleagues and stakeholders throughout his distinguished career.”
He served as faculty fellow and associate director of the Biggio Center from 2004-2007, where he advanced faculty development and championed engaged learning practices, including flipped classrooms. Nationally, he has been active in the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture, where he chaired the Experiential Learning Committee, organized national workshops, launched a webinar series on experiential learning, and currently serves as president elect.
Upon retirement, Mulvaney looks forward to spending more time with his wife Janet of 43 years, their grandchildren, as well as serving through Gideons International, men’s ministry, and continuing to advance leadership and advocacy in animal agriculture. He will also remain active in state and national agricultural organizations and animal industry partners.
