After 42 remarkable years of service, mentorship, and leadership, Mr. Royce Thornton retired from his full-time faculty position at Ohio State ATI on September 30, 2025. His departure marks the end of an era defined by his deep commitment to students, his transformative impact on the dairy program, and his unwavering devotion to the mission of agricultural education.
A Lifelong Passion for Dairy and Education
Raised on a farm in southwest Idaho, Royce developed a love for dairy at an early age. By middle school, he and his brother had founded Kunadell Jerseys, and at just 12 years old, he purchased his first registered Jersey heifers, paying taxes and running a business before most kids had their first summer job. That early entrepreneurial spirit carried him through a B.S. in Dairy Science from California Polytechnic State University and an M.S. in Dairy Cattle Genetics from Penn State. He joined Ohio State ATI in 1983, bringing with him a wealth of hands-on experience as a self-employed dairy producer and industry leader.
A Career Dedicated to Students
Throughout his 42 years at ATI, Royce wore many hats: Assistant Professor, Technology Coordinator of Dairy Cattle Programs, advisor, judging team coach, division chair, and mentor. Yet above all, he has always been an educator first. “Students have always been my number one priority,” he wrote in his retirement letter. “Helping students prepare for their life and career has brought me great satisfaction. Hearing of and observing former students’ successes brings tremendous personal fulfillment, even if they didn’t stay in the dairy industry.”
Royce has worked directly with more than 470 dairy graduates, and at least 500 more students who went on to successful careers beyond ATI. He’s advised the Dairy Club, coached 29 dairy cattle judging teams to national and international recognition, and guided students to opportunities across the U.S. and abroad. His mentorship extended beyond the classroom, from internships and field trips to professional networking and industry involvement, to ensuring ATI graduates were prepared to lead wherever their paths took them.
Building a Nationally Recognized Dairy Program
Tasked with transforming a herd of 20 below-average cows into an award winning herd, he oversaw the design and construction of a new dairy facility, launched a successful donation program, and implemented a cutting-edge genetic improvement plan. Under his leadership, the ATI Holstein herd ranked among the top 500 genetic herds in the nation for 20 consecutive years, while the Jersey herd achieved top-five national production rankings and produced sires for industry bull studs.
“I appreciated the opportunity to develop an excellent dairy herd and facility during my first 38 years,” Royce reflected. “Both the Holstein and Jersey herds received national recognition for their genetic and production excellence. The journey to build the herds was challenging but rewarding.”
A Legacy Beyond the Classroom
Royce’s leadership extended well beyond the ATI. He served on the board of the National Dairy Shrine, helped launch the Ohio Spring Dairy Expo, and contributed to numerous research projects advancing herd management and genetic selection. His work in organizing training programs, study tours, and industry collaborations built bridges between ATI and the dairy community — relationships that strengthened the program and enriched student learning.
But for Royce, it’s always been about people. “The colleagues I’ve worked with at Ohio State ATI have been great,” he wrote. “I could not have accomplished what I did without the people around me. People made all the difference in having an enjoyable career.”
A Bittersweet Goodbye
While retirement is a well-earned next chapter, the decision did not come easily. “The decision to retire has not been emotionally easy as a huge part of my life and identity will close or at least change,” he shared. “I will miss the students, faculty, and staff. However, I know the timing is right; I must go on. As I leave Ohio State ATI, I have many wonderful memories. I thank Ohio State ATI and the wonderful people for an excellent life journey.”
As Mr. Royce Thornton steps into retirement, his impact will continue to ripple across classrooms, dairy barns, and boardrooms around the world — wherever former students are shaping the future of agriculture. His legacy is written in the success of those he taught, the programs he built, and the community he helped create. And while he may be leaving campus, the lessons, leadership, and dedication he shared will remain a part of Ohio State ATI forever.