Dr. Stanley P. Wilson

Stan was born in Dixie, Alabama to Alice Johnson and Porter Wilson. He grew up on a row-crop and livestock farm. He graduated from T.R. Miller High School in Brewton and attended Alabama Polytechnic Institute from which he graduated with a B.S. degree in Animal Science in 1953. Stan received a M.S. degree in Animal Genetics at API in 1958, and three years later the PhD in Animal Genetics at Oklahoma State University.

In 1961, Stan won a 2-Year Competitive Post-Doctoral Research Associateship supported by the National Academy of Sciences at the Pioneering Research Laboratory in Population Genetics at Purdue University. At the end of two years he was hired to remain at Purdue University. For the last seven years of his fourteen year tenure at Purdue he was Director of the Pioneering Research Laboratory in Population Genetics. Results of his research career included an extensive list of refereed journal articles, and contributed publications at scientific meetings plus several invitational papers at international scientific meetings abroad and in the U.S. He was invited to spend time at Oregon State University as a Bogart Visiting Lecturer.

In March of 1975, Stan moved to Auburn University as Associate Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station. He was responsible for the day to day operation of the statewide research program. In 1980, he moved to a position entitled Vice President for Agriculture, Home Economics and Veterinary Medicine. In December of 1984, Stan left Auburn University to operate his own business until 1990, when he took over leadership of the Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) in Ames, Iowa.

Stan was very proud of many accomplishments at Auburn University. Hiring of top quality faculty resulted in a large increase in publication of refereed journal articles. The Extension, Teaching and Research programs were blended together very successfully with Extension Specialist being provided access to the AU Academic Rank system. The Department of Forestry was elevated to School status and is now a very outstanding program.

In 1953,  he met and married Barbara Duggan.  Dr. Wilson and Barbara are the proud parents of two sons:  Lt. Col. Michael Stanley Wilson USAF Ret. of Clifton, Virginia (Robbi Watnik) and Daniel Robert Wilson of Mobile (Lisa Lynn).  Grandchildren include:  Blake Michael Wilson, Sofia Leanne Watnik, Allison Danielle Wilson and Ian Robert Wilson. Dr. Wilson died on Saturday, August 11, 2018 following a long agonizing bout with cancer. A memorial service will be held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday, August 19, 2018 at 2:00 p.m..

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Dr. Stanley Wilson to the Ag Hill Dean's Society, Auburn University Foundation, 317 South College St. Auburn, AL 36849 or to the charity of your choice.