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About Dr. Ben Pomeroy
 Born in St. Paul in 1911, Dr. Ben Pomeroy received his veterinary degree from Iowa State University in 1933 and his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota in 1944. When the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine was established in 1947, he began his teaching career with courses in avian diseases and microbiology. Between 1953 and 1980, Dr. Pomeroy served as professor and chairman of the Department of Veterinary Microbiology, associate dean for research and graduate education, coordinator of the Avian Disease Program, and acting dean of the College. He published more than 450 articles and advised 36 master's degree and 31 Ph.D. candidates.
Dr. Pomeroy was recognized nationally and internationally for his expertise on eradication and control of turkey diseases. He received more than 30 awards and honors during his career, including the Siehl Prize for Excellence in Agriculture in 1999 and a Doctor of Science honorary degree, the highest award conferred by the University of Minnesota, in 2001. He took on many leadership roles within the University and the state and had a passion for lobbying legislators on behalf of veterinary medicine, agriculture, animal health, and the University of Minnesota. In 1985, Dr. Pomeroy was the catalyst that brought contributions totaling more than $1 million to the University to establish the Pomeroy Chair in Avian Health. The only endowed poultry chair in the United States, the Pomeroy chair is associated with the College of Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Sciences and the College of Veterinary Medicine.
An extraordinary leader and a tireless advocate for excellence in veterinary medicine, University of Minnesota Professor Emeritus Dr. Pomeroy passed away on January 16, 2004, at age 92.
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