Dr. Lyle McNeal describes his students as family members.

McNeal, known as "Doc" to all of his students, is on call 24 hours a day, particularly when it is lambing season at the USU South Farm. His students can call him at any time, and if he is not in his office he is available at home.

McNeal was named Carnegie Professor of the Year after teaching for 28 years at USU in the animal, dairy and veterinary science department. He was nominated by students and fellow faculty members.

"They all wrote such nice letters. It really makes you take a step back and look at your life and wonder, am I deserving of this?" said McNeal.

McNeal grew up working on his grandparents' ranch, and he said the desire to produce food was engrained in him at a very young age. He said he never intended to go into teaching after finishing his doctorate at USU, while working at Cal Poly.

"I wanted to go back into ranching because I felt like it was a calling," said McNeal.

McNeal describes agricultural producers and people who serve in the military as close to God. He said those are the two most honorable professions anyone could have. McNeal served in the Air Force and says his two favorite things are flying and riding horses.

McNeal said he realized he needed to continue teaching after receiving the Distinguished Teaching Award at Cal Poly. He said he had only been teaching there for three years, and it was the fastest anyone had ever received the award. He said his wife told him not to give up teaching because that award proved he was good at it. He said he decided teaching people to grow food was just as good as growing it himself.

"I feel like it's more than a job. It's a passion," McNeal said.

-- PHOTO AND TEXT BY RIKI RICHARDS