Evolution of ARPAS Services for Our Members
By Al Kertz and Kenneth Cummings, Executive Vice Presidents, and Bill Price, Historian
Our history (1984): Founded in 1974, the American Registry of Certified Animal Scientists (ARCAS) was the initial certification organization renamed the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists (ARPAS) in 1984. Over the decades, ARPAS has grown in membership and vastly expanded the scope of activities and services provided to members. In the organization’s formative years, animal scientists were provided an examination, a professional certification, and a code of ethics. A journal was established for publishing applied research. Over time, many activities have been added to further enhance members’ education, recognition, professional experience, and value, personally and to their profession. A strategic plan was developed in 2001 and updated in 2006, 2011, 2017, and 2022 to ensure continuing financial security and enhance membership activities. A membership survey, conducted prior to the 2011 plan, identified additional areas for involvement that would enhance our members’ visibility and position ARPAS as a more relevant professional certification organization. Some of the more impactful services and activities added over the years are outlined below.
Our journals (1974): Applied Animal Science has been a part of ARPAS’ offerings since our inception and has continued to grow in size and stature as well. Originally called The Animal Scientist, then Animal Industry Today, The Professional Animal Scientist (PAS), and since 2019, Applied Animal Science (AAS). AAS is focused on innovations and technologies that have fairly immediate—or emerging—applications in domestic animal agriculture. As of 2024, AAS transitioned to a gold open-access journal, offering authors wider visibility and readers unrestricted access to critical advancements in animal science research.
ARPAS Newsletter: A regular newsletter is distributed to all ARPAS members, keeping them informed on the latest ARPAS developments and industry news. Read the latest issue.
ARPAS Chapters (1986): Regional ARPAS chapters help ensure members have an additional source of community and professional support. Current chapters are
The earliest chapters were the California (1986) and Washington DC Chapters (1986). Activities vary by chapter and include membership building, educational programs, scholarships, and university seminars to inform students of the value of professional certification.
Board certification (1995): The board certification and college system were developed to recognize the additional expertise and education of ARPAS members—and is currently the highest level of certification for the animal science discipline. Five colleges were initially established. This system has further evolved into the American College of Animal Sciences, with six discipline areas.
FASS administrative and publication support (1998): ARPAS has utilized the expertise of FASS personnel for many functions since 1998. Prior to that time, services were provided by the American Dairy Science Association (ADSA). FASS, now the services division of ADSA, provides management services to nonprofit associations and societies with a mutual interest in supporting the advancement of animal agriculture and food systems through research and education.
ARPAS Executive Vice President (1999): ARPAS’ long history has been marked by strong executive leadership. The first Executive Vice President, Bill Baumgardt, quickly expanded outreach and developed our sponsorship program. This greatly improved the financial position of ARPAS. He was followed by Dick Frahm in 2003, Kenneth Cummings in 2008, and Al Kertz in 2021.
Representation on AFIA’s Nutrition Council (2001): ARPAS was given a seat on the American Feed Industry Association’s (AFIA) Nutrition Council. Bill Baumgardt was our first representative.
Feed Management Certification (2003): ARPAS established a memorandum of understanding with the USDA’s National Resources Conservation Service. Our role is to facilitate the development of a training program for the feed management component of a Nutrient Management Plan. Members of ARPAS provide the feed management training, and ARPAS provides the examination and certification.
Professional Animal Auditors Certification Organization (2004): ARPAS was one of four founding members of the Professional Animal Auditors Certification Organization (PAACO), established to provide certification of third-party animal welfare auditing programs. Our modest investment in money and people for the founding of PAACO was a success. It has become recognized as the world-standard body for auditor certification and review of production animal auditing programs. Three of our members represent ARPAS on the governing body.
ARPAS Symposium (continuous since 2006): The ARPAS Symposium includes educational sessions sponsored by ARPAS at the Joint Annual Meeting (JAM) of the American Society of Animal Science (ASAS) and ADSA. It began as a part of our continuing educational effort and continues to be the hallmark of our contribution to the JAM. Since the demise of JAM, the symposium has alternated between ADSA and ASAS Annual Meetings. Presentations from the symposium are generally published in AAS.
Distinguished Professional Animal Scientist Award (2008): This award brings recognition to past leaders of ARPAS who have also had a significant impact on animal agriculture. Two or three worthy recipients may be recognized annually.
ARPAS Foundation (2008): The ARPAS Foundation serves as a financial resource for educational and developmental activities apart from the ARPAS annual budget. Having a foundation provides members a way to give a lasting gift to ARPAS. The foundation also provides funding support for student exams.