Ron Allen
Dr. Ron Allen, a professor in the Department of Animal Sciences since 1981, is currently head of the department.
He teaches Animal Sciences 444 - Development and Management of Racing Animals. This course provides an overview of segments of the racing industry involved in breeding, raising and training horses and greyhounds. Before joining the RTIP team in 1993, Allen’s primary responsibilites were in research and graduate student training. He continues to conduct fundamental research on cellular aspects of muscle growth and repair and is a nationally recognized leader in this area. It has been said, “... those that can’t Do, Teach”, as with other members of the RTIP team the old adage does not apply here. Dr. Allen brings his personal experience as a thoroughbred breeder to the classroom. Allen and his family have been breeding a small number of mares each year since the mid 1980’s, including a couple of stakes winners and track record holders. Allen is on the Board of Directors of the Arizona Thoroughbred Breeders Association and has been in charge of developing and conducting an annual championship day of racing for Arizona-breds at Turf Paradise.
Allen brings a horseman’s perspective to the team and feels strongly that everyone in the industry needs to keep the “animal-side” of the industry in mind, from animal well-being issues to the economics of breeding and racing.