UA Animal Science Professor Of Three Decades Dies at 81

Jack Perkins, an influential member of the state’s livestock industry through his work at the University of Arkansas, died Nov. 25 in Fayetteville. He was 81.

Perkins started his career on the faculty of the animal science department at the UA System Division of Agriculture and the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences in 1965 as an assistant professor. He was promoted to associate professor in 1969, to professor in 1973 and served as interim department head from 1994 to 1995.

Upon his retirement that year, Perkins figured he taught about 6,000 students in the freshman animal science course at the UA, according to a university news release. In addition to the freshman basic course, his teaching load over the years included breeds of livestock, sheep production, horse production and beef production.

He also coached the livestock judging team throughout his time on campus.

Perkins earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from West Virginia University and a Ph.D. from North Carolina State University.

He was also an award-winning bluegrass fiddler who performed frequently at public events and with other musicians.

A memorial service through Moore’s Chapel of Fayetteville was held Dec. 5 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Fayetteville.