UNH Today

Charles Schwab, professor emeritus of animal and nutritional sciences and a long-time former member of UNH’s dairy program, has received the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA) Fellow Award. The award recognizes dairy scientists who are members of ADSA and who have a record of distinguished service to the dairy industry for 20 or more years.

He was nominated by Paul Kononoff, professor of dairy nutrition at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

“To those in the field of animal nutrition,” says Kononoff, “Dr. Schwab needs no introduction, as he is widely considered to be one of the world’s leading experts in amino acid nutrition of dairy cattle.”

"Chuck has trained generations of young scientists who work in the dairy industry to meet current and future needs required by the consumers and dairy producers we all serve.”

Schwab’s 34-year career at UNH began in 1975, when he joined the faculty as an assistant professor. Among his many professional achievements, he established amino acid feeding recommendations for lactating dairy cows. His recommendations have led the dairy industry to develop software and feed databases that not only improve efficacy of milk production, but also reduce the amount of nitrogen fed and ultimately excreted into the environment by the cow.

While a professor, Schwab provided leadership for numerous initiatives, including a revision of the undergraduate curriculum in animal sciences and the development of a nutritional sciences major and dairy management major. He worked with university administration to establish the Fairchild Dairy Teaching and Research Center, the Dairy Nutrition Research Center, and the Organic Dairy Research Farm.

“UNH will always have a special place in my heart,” says Schwab. “I never imagined, as a new faculty member in 1975, that I would ever have so much freedom to create so many new opportunities and build new facilities and programs for students while also teaching and pursing my own research interests and dreams. I will remain forever grateful to my department chairs and fellow faculty and staff, college deans, higher administration, the Office of Sustainability, and the Northeast dairy industry for continued encouragement and help. It was an amazing 34 years.” 

To date, Dr. Schwab’s research has resulted in 160 published papers, and he has made over 300 presentations in 26 countries. In 2006, Dr. Schwab was recognized by UNH with an Excellence in Public Service Award.

Schwab’s remarkable commitment to his field also extended to the students he advised.

“Chuck was and has been a positive influence on my career as well as on my personal life,” says Ryan Ordway ‘05G, who earned his earned his Doctor of Philosophy from UNH under Schwab’s guidance.  “As an advisor, he provided me with a level of guidance and support that few of my colleagues in the animal science industries received from their advisors…Chuck has trained generations of young scientists who work in the dairy industry to meet current and future needs required by the consumers and dairy producers we all serve.”

But despite all his accomplishments, Schwab says he was at a loss for words when he learned he had received the ADSA award and describes the experience as very humbling.

After retiring from UNH in 2009, Dr. Schwab’s enthusiasm for dairy nutrition did not wane. He now works full-time as a dairy nutrition consultant, educating dairy extension specialists, nutritionists and producers worldwide on advances in protein and amino acid nutrition and its implications on milk production, cow health and nitrogen utilization.