David Hawkins was born in Ohio in 1941 and earned both his Bachelor’s degree (1963) in animal science and Master of Science degree in animal breeding and genetics from Ohio State University. Following his Masters, Hawkins accepted a teaching assistantship at Michigan State University, where he completed his Ph.D. in ruminant nutrition in 1969. Hawkins joined the MSU Department of Animal Science faculty as assistant professor and rose to full professor and coordinator of undergraduate programs. In the 1970s Hawkins coached the MSU Intercollegiate Livestock Judging Team for several years, and in 1973, Hawkins was named the faculty coordinator for the Michigan State University Beef Cattle Teaching Center, where he developed a world recognized source of superior Angus and Hereford genetics. From 1996 to 2005, Hawkins was National Collegiate Livestock Judging Contest Superintendent at the North American International Livestock Exposition. Additionally, aside from his teaching and judging, Hawkins led several student study abroad trips to Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and England. Under his leadership, the MSU cattle herd produced cattle that were excellent classroom models and were highly sought after for their genetic excellence. David Hawkins has been honored with numerous awards including the Distinguished Alumni Award from Ohio State; induction into the OSU Animal Science Hall of Fame; the Chevalier award from the Australian Angus Society; the Distinguished Teacher, Animal Industry Service, and Fellow Awards from the American Society of Animal Science; and was the 2013 Saddle & Sirloin Portrait Gallery inductee, which is the highest honor that can be received in the livestock industry.