Burcham awarded honorary doctorate

After making a lasting impact on the livestock industry in New Mexico and across the United States, Neil Burcham, longtime animal science professor, was awarded a posthumous honorary doctorate in spring 2024.

Burcham, who passed away in December 2022, retired from NMSU in 2017. During his nearly five decades teaching at NMSU, many students called him the most influential professor they’ve ever had. 

Following his retirement from NMSU, Burcham continued to be recognized with academic and industry awards. In October 2022, Burcham was inducted into the Northeastern Oklahoma Junior College Hall of Fame for his work with its livestock judging teams before moving to Las Cruces in 1969. In March 2024, Burcham was inducted into the American Brahman Breeders Association Hall of Fame. A classroom at the new Food Science, Safety and Security building on NMSU’s Las Cruces campus is named in his honor.