The ARPAS Distinguished Professional Animal Scientist award is bestowed annually on one or more emeritus members of ARPAS who have made significant contributions to the animal sciences during their active career and also served in one or more ARPAS leadership positions.

Nominations may be made by any member of ARPAS. Final selection will be made by the ARPAS Executive Committee with conformation by the ARPAS Governing Council. The number of awards each year will not exceed 0.2% of the total ARPAS membership. Please contact any member of the ARPAS Governing Council or send your nomination by email to arpas@assochq.org.

Recipients of this award will be recognized in the newsletter and The Professional Animal Scientist journal and receive a tribute at our annual meeting. A suitable award will be presented to them on this occasion. They will also be granted lifetime membership in ARPAS with emeritus privilege.

The 2017 recipients were Sharon Benz, retired from the Food and Drug Administration (Washington, DC, chapter officer) and Keith Lusby, professor emeritus at the University of Arkansas and past president and former treasurer of ARPAS.