UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Jana Peters, retired animal science advising coordinator, has been selected as the 2023 Animal Science Distinguished Alumna by Penn State’s Department of Animal Science. She was honored at the 105th Little International livestock exposition, held April 1 at the Snider Agricultural Arena.
A 1979 graduate of the College of Agricultural Sciences with a bachelor’s degree in animal production, Peters began her career as a research assistant with pioneering dairy physiologist John Almquist at the Dairy Breeding Research Center. She earned her master’s degree in dairy science in 1984 while working at the center under the direction of Phil Senger.
After receiving her master’s degree, she worked for 15 years with Professor Dan Deaver in reproductive endocrinology research and later worked with Terry Etherton, professor emeritus of animal nutrition and former head of the Department of Animal Science. In 1999, she became animal science advising coordinator, a position in which she strongly influenced students’ success in animal agriculture.
“We are so pleased to recognize Jana for her outstanding support for so many of our students over the years,” said Adele Turzillo, head of the Department of Animal Science. “Her influence has been wide ranging and continues to impact agriculture throughout Pennsylvania and beyond.”
Peters noted that she is deeply honored to receive this recognition. “Penn State means so much to me, and I am so proud to have had the opportunity to work with so many truly exceptional students over the years,” she said. “Their success is a tribute to Penn State and to their hard work.”
Active in both the Block & Bridle Club and the Dairy Science Club as a student, Peters showed animals as a freshman in both the Dairy Expo and “Little I.” She participated on the meat and livestock judging teams and was president of the Coaly Society. Upon graduation she received the Outstanding Senior Award from the college.
While working at Penn State, Peters received the Penn State Stockmen’s Club Booster Award and the Department of Dairy and Animal Science Outstanding Lab Staff Award in 1992.
In 2003, she was the recipient of the Staff Laureate Ambassador Award in the College of Agricultural Sciences and was named the Little International dedicatee in that same year. In 2013, she was the Dairy Science Club yearbook dedicatee.
Peters also co-instructed several animal science courses, including “Sheep and Goat Production/Management” and “Careers in Animal Agriculture.” She served an executive role in the Penn State Stockmen’s Club for 34 years, maintaining connections with department alumni.
“It has truly been my passion to maintain connection with alumni through the club,” she said. “It is also a way for me to honor those who helped me so much as a student and in my career.”
A native of Cambria County, Peters is a volunteer for Penn State Extension’s Centre County 4-H program with the sheep and the rifle clubs and is active in the Gatesburg Lutheran Church. She and her husband, Bill, are the parents of two College of Ag Sciences alumni and the proud grandparents of two children.