517 Dan Sehnert

This is an interview with Dan Sehnert who was the Department of Animal Science Animal Facilities Coordinator.  He was hired in 1981 and retired in 2020. 

As the animal facilities coordinator, Dan was responsible for more than 40 different facilities, as well as the farming of many acres and the managing of cattle herds at off-campus sites from the Sierra to the California-Mexico border. The facilities included barns and fields for dairy and beef cattle, goat, swine, sheep and horses; avian facilities including a hatchery, small animal unit and poultry farm; and small animal housing facilities.  He was the epitome of a service-leader, supervising staff and student-workers while consistently promoting their hard work and interests.

UCD has the most extensive set of domesticated animal, livestock, companion animal and rodent facilities of any university in the U.S.; during Dan’s tenure many of the departmental animal facilities underwent renovation and some were completely rebuilt.  He served for many years on the Institutional Animal Use and Care Committee and contributed to numerous accreditation reviews.  Dan worked closely with the School of Veterinary Medicine and other campus units to ensure healthy animals, functional facilities and outreach to internal and external stakeholders. Dan was a member of numerous professional organizations and was an incredible ambassador for departmental programs hosting tours and special events.

In recognition of his many contributions, Dan received the Staff Assembly Citation for Excellence in 2003 and the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Award of Distinction for Outstanding Staff in 2008.

Dan is interviewed by his friend and colleague, Dr. Mary Delany, Professor and Chair Emerita of Animal Science.