Dr. Scott Alan Williamson

Dr. Scott Alan Williamson, an inspirational leader, legendary college professor, and force of nature has made his journey home to heaven. Born August 4, to Wilbur and Peggy Williamson. He passed away on August 2, days shy of his birthday.

He was known as Doc to many, Dad to a few, and Poppa Doc to his 7 grandkids. This man gave everything he had to “Making the BEST better!” Especially when it came to exhibiting rabbits and pigs and teaching people new knowledge.

He grew up in Indiana, with three sisters, Diane, Becky, and Tami. He loved exploring the woods and lakes in the area. He attended LaPorte High School where he was actively involved in 4-H, football, and wrestling. He discovered his passion for rabbits in high school after taking his Dutch rabbits to a show, where he found early success. His rabbit project became his introduction to animal husbandry, sparking a lifelong passion for the livestock industry and fueling his drive to excel academically. That early experience ultimately led him to pursue a degree in Animal Science at Purdue University and laid the foundation for a remarkable career dedicated to agriculture, education, and the livestock industry. He was a member of the Purdue University champion collegiate livestock judging team. He went on to pursue his Master of Science and PhD in Animal Science at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana where he managed the Swine Research Center. He then applied for the professor of animal sciences position at California State University, Fresno. What an adventure it was to move his young family and pets all the way across the country.

Many have walked through his classroom doors eager to learn about animal science. Some of his classic courses included Swine Production, Genetics, Feeds and Feeding, Nutrition, and Environment. If you walked out with an A, you know you worked for it. He didn’t give grades away, because he wanted to challenge students to truly apply themselves and further their learning experience.

For many years, Dr. Williamson was one of the best Dutch rabbit breeders and exhibitors in the nation. He exhibited his animals all over the state and nation, winning accolades wherever he went. He also was a phenomenal judge of both pigs and rabbits, leaving many people amazed at his eloquent commentary on the microphone.

Dr. Williamson is preceded in death by his Mom, Dad, sisters Becky Lawson, and Tami Hart. Scott is survived by his sister, Diane Casto and his loving children, Kate Williamson-Manjarrez (Robert), Beau Williamson (Drew), Kelli Williamson and Hannah Williamson, 7 grandchildren, Levi, Hope, Cole, Reid, Miles, Bode and Quinn, past wives Dianne Williamson and Jennifer Williamson as well as his beloved dog, rabbits and many friends and students of the Fresno State Community.

Dr. Williamson’s family will host a Celebration of Life on Saturday, September 26 at 10:45am in the Fresno State Animal Science Pavilion - directly across from the Swine Unit (2654 E Portals Ave; Fresno, CA 93710) where he spent his 40+ years working to make the best better. Please wear shoes appropriate for a dirt floor and your favorite button up collared shirt to honor the memory of our Dad, “Doc”. We will serve some of our Dad’s favorite appetizers/snacks and his beloved Iced Tea.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances can be made to the Ag One Foundation in support of the Dr. Scott Williamson Scholarship Fund. Please send memorial gifts to 2910 E. Barstow Ave., M/S OF115, Fresno, CA 93740 and note the Dr. Scott Williamson Scholarship Fund on the memo. If you want to donate online, you can at the link here.

“Remember to enjoy PORK for a longer, healthier life.” Doc