Dr. Gary Webb has served as the unit leader or department head for the Department of Animal Science since the School of Agriculture was established in 2011. As the department head, Webb oversees all academic development for animal science coursework, supervises animal science faculty members, and collaborates with the other departments to move the Darr College of Agriculture forward.

Webb graduated from the University of Georgia in 1976, receiving his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. Four years later in 1980, Webb received his Master of Science in Animal Science from Texas A&M. In 1983, Dr. Webb graduated with his Ph.D. in the physiology of reproduction from Texas A&M.

When Webb learned about the opening at Missouri State University in the then department of agriculture in 2001, he was excited about the research and scholarly activity opportunities the then Department of Agriculture offered. He recounted his first visit to Missouri State, where there was an activity, he couldn’t refuse to participate in.

“I remember my first visit to Missouri State (then Southwest Missouri State University), I won a watermelon seed spitting contest”, Webb said. “I spit the seed so far they disqualified me from winning.”

Fast forward to 2022, Webb has now taught animal science courses at the college for 21 years. Courses he has taught throughout his tenure at Missouri State include Equine Nutrition and Physiology, Feeds and Feeding, Farm Animal Reproduction, Graduate Seminar, Horse Judging, and Horse Management and Training. In Fall 2022, Webb will teach Evaluation and Performance Appraisal of Horses, Reproductive Physiology, Horse Management and Training, and Advanced Equine Nutrition. Webb also serves as the coach for the Ranch Horse Team.

Webb’s favorite College of Agriculture event is the Ag Celebration with Alumni and Friends because he is passionate about supporting students academically and financially throughout their collegiate careers. His efforts toward helping students and youth have not gone unnoticed. In 2009, Webb was selected to receive his State Honorary FFA Degree from the Missouri FFA Association for his distinguished service to FFA programs across the state.

Webb can be found either in the classroom, Pinegar Arena training the Ranch Horse team, or in his office at the Bond Learning Center. When he’s not found in those locations, he can be found partaking in his hobbies of bird hunting or riding and showing horses.

We are grateful for the dedication and passion Dr. Webb exhibits for animal science, teaching, and student success at the Darr College of Agriculture.

Interested in speaking with Dr. Webb? Send him an email to GaryWebb@MissouriState.edu or visit him at the Bond Learning Center office 107.