Dr. Maurice Eastridge, Professor, Department of Animal Sciences, The Ohio State University
Royce was raised on a farm in southwest Idaho and developed a love for dairy cattle 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. He received a BS in Dairy Science from California Polytechnic State University in 1979 and a MS in Dairy Cattle Genetics from Penn State in 1981.
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. Throughout his 42 years at ATI, Royce had many responsibilities: Assistant Professor, Technology Coordinator of Dairy Cattle Programs, advisor, judging team coach, division chair, and mentor. Yet above all, he was always 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.”
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 ATI Dairy Club, coached 29 dairy cattle judging teams to national and international recognition, and guided students to opportunities across the US 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.
Tasked with transforming a herd of 20 below-average cows into an award winning herd, he oversaw the design and construction of a new ATI dairy facility, launched a successful donation program, and implemented a cutting-edge genetic improvement plan. Both the Holstein and Jersey herds received national recognition for their genetic and production excellence.
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.
Royce and Elizabeth (deceased) have seven children and 15 grandchildren. After 42 years of service, mentorship, and leadership, Royce retired from his full-time faculty position at Ohio State ATI on September 30, 2025. His departure marked 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. As expressed by Dr. Kirby Krogstad, Assistant Professor, Department of Animal Sciences, “I have grown to admire Royce’s passion, dedication, and consistency. His commitment to his students is exceptional. Whether through his leadership at the University or his hands-on work with the OSU dairy herd, his impact on the institution is enormous.” Based on his service to the dairy industry and the education and mentoring of Ohio State students, Royce Thornton is most deserving as a recipient of the Dairy Science Hall of Service award.