Dr. Michael L. Looper was raised on a fifth-generation dairy/beef farm in Arkansas and received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from the University of Arkansas. Looper received his Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University focusing on reproduction in postpartum beef cows. Looper currently serves as Professor and Head of the Department of Animal Science at the University of Arkansas. In 2002, Looper joined the USDA-ARS as Research Animal Scientist conducting research in growth, development, physiology, and nutrition of grazing cattle. He has advised/co-advised more than 30 graduate students, and authored/coauthored 67 peer-refereed journal articles, 2 book chapters, 112 abstracts, and more than 200 Extension, Experiment Station and other publications. Looper served as Associate Editor and Division Editor of the Animal Production Section of the Journal of Animal Science. Looper is an ASAS Fellow and served as ASAS President. Looper and his wife Joneta have two daughters, Madison (David) and Taylor.