Crystal Levesque named inaugural Rick Wahlstrom Endowed Chair in Swine Production

Crystal Levesque, professor of monogastric nutrition at South Dakota State University, has been named the inaugural Rick Wahlstrom Endowed Chair in Swine Production. The appointment recognizes her strong research program and commitment to student success.

“Dr. Levesque’s research bridges the gap between basic and applied swine research. She integrates the teaching and research missions of SDSU well. Thanks to Dr. Levesque’s work, our undergraduate and graduate students are included in impactful research projects that not only benefit the swine industry but also improve our students’ preparedness to enter the workforce,” said Michael Gonda, interim department head of animal science. “I’m really excited that she is the inaugural recipient of the Wahlstrom Endowment in Swine Production. I think Dr. Wahlstrom would be excited, too.”

The endowed chair position honors the late Rick Wahlstrom, whose 36-year career at SDSU helped establish the university as a leading academic and research hub for swine production.

“Rick’s groundbreaking research in swine nutrition established SDSU as the premier land-grant university in the field,” said Richard Wahlstrom, Rick Wahlstrom’s son, when the endowment was announced. “A humble man who never sought the limelight, this is the ultimate capstone to his career. That his gift for research, teaching and love of students will be a legacy passed on by future professors. That his name will be forever remembered as a family, as well as university treasure.”

Levesque first met Dr. Wahlstrom when she came to SDSU in 2013. He often came to departmental events, including the first Swine Day at the Swine Education and Research Facility. Through her interactions with him, Levesque remembers Wahlstrom most for the way he connected with people.

“Rick Wahlstrom was the kind of person who actively listened,” she said. “It didn’t seem to matter what the topic was — he was always actively engaged.”

It was a quality Levesque came to appreciate throughout the time she knew him.

“Interacting with Rick was such a positive experience, and his vast knowledge in nutrition meant every conversation was also a learning experience,” she added.

Levesque was born and raised on a broiler and mixed small grain farm in central Saskatchewan, Canada. Growing up, she developed an appreciation for livestock production and the role research plays in improving animal agriculture. She earned her doctorate at the University of Alberta, where her research focused on amino acid metabolism during pregnancy, before completing postdoctoral training at the Prairie Swine Center at the University of Guelph. Those experiences helped shape a fulfilling career centered on improving the health and productivity of swine and poultry.

Throughout her time at SDSU, Levesque has built a nationally recognized research program focused on three primary areas: 1) understanding maternal nutrient use and requirements during pregnancy and lactation to improve piglet development; 2) evaluating alternative feed ingredients and dietary additives to improve piglet health after weaning; and 3) using advanced feed technologies to improve efficient growth in broilers and turkeys.

Levesque’s research program has generated more than $6 million in external funding to support swine and poultry research at SDSU. She has authored or co-authored 40 peer-reviewed journal articles, presented her findings at more than 90 scientific conferences and has written 20 SDSU Extension publications that translate research into practical information for producers and industry professionals.

Equally important to Levesque is her commitment to educating the next generation of animal scientists and industry leaders. During her tenure, she has formally mentored 23 graduate students while also leading advanced communication training for more than 130 graduate students representing 17 universities across the United States.

For Levesque, her appointment as the Rick Wahlstrom Endowed Chair in Swine Production represents both a professional honor and, most importantly, an opportunity to carry forward the legacy of a longtime SDSU swine professor.

“It is his desire and skill for engaging interaction that I strive to bring to my teaching and research,” Levesque said. “Active engagement with the students and active listening with the farmers is what ensures our training and research have relevance to commercial swine production and produce well-trained, engaged students to become the next leaders of the swine industry — leaders with influence like Dr. Wahlstrom had.”

The endowment was made possible through the support of nearly a dozen donors, including industry leaders, individual families and members of the Wahlstrom family.

Levesque will be celebrated along with her fellow holders of endowed positions at the University Leadership Honors ceremony on Sept. 24.