UA animal science department honors alumni
April 18, 2005Contact Information:
Dr. Keith Lusby, Animal Science Department, 479-575-3745 / klusby@uark.edu
Dr. Reza Hakkak, left, of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences receives a plaque from Dr. Gregory Weidemann, Dean of the Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences. Dr. Hakkak was names a Graduate of Distinction by the U of A Department of Animal Science.
Dr. Gregory Weidemann, Dean of Bumpers College, at right, presents plaques naming the late Richard Hudson an Animal Science Department Graduate of Distinction to, from left, son Ralph Hudson, daughter Sara Breedlove, wife Frieda Hudson and son Wes Hudson.
The honors were awarded to Dr. Hakkak and the family of the late Mr. Hudson during the department's annual Awards and Scholarship Luncheon April 14.
Hakkak earned his Ph.D. in animal nutrition at the U of A in 1986 and has been on the faculty of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences since 1990. He is a nutritionist, associate professor and chairman of the department of dietetics and nutrition in the UAMS College of Health Related Professions; associate professor of pediatrics in the UAMS College of Medicine; and associate professor of maternal child health in the UAMS College of Public Health.
His work concentrates on the areas of basic nutrition science research and nutrition education. His research has focused on the influence of nutrition on cancer prevention, the influence of obesity on cancer promotion, and the effects of differing diets and nutrition on chemical carcinogenesis.
Currently, Hakkak is the lead researcher on a study of a new animal model for the development of breast cancer in obese post-menopausal women. The research is funded by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Hudson is a 1954 animal science graduate of the U of A. He was a respected cattle breeder, businessman and community leader in Harrison. Hudson Herefords has been in continuous operation since 1939 and has one of the most renowned herds in the country, said Dr. Keith Lusby, animal science department head at the U of A. Hudson was elected president of the American Hereford Association in 2004.
In addition to his ranch, Hudson built other businesses, including Hudson Construction Co., the Ramada Inn at Harrison and Hudson Realty. He has served on and chaired numerous boards, including the North Arkansas Community College Board of Governors, the Harrison School Board, the Harrison Public School Foundation Board, the Arkansas Institute, two bank boards and a savings and loan board.