CAHNRS Faculty Feature: Nancy Irlbeck

We asked several CAHNRS Ambassadors, excellent students who love WSU and their college, to name their favorite or most influential professors. And now we’re featuring those nominated educators in this weekly series, which runs through the summer.

Nancy Irlbeck sits on a rock with forest covered mountains in the background.
Nancy Irlbeck

Today we’re showcasing Nancy Irlbeck, clinical associate professor in the Department of Animal Sciences. Here are her answers to a few questions:

Where are you from?

I am a pig farmer’s daughter from Iowa.

Where did you go to school?

I earned my BS in Animal Science from Iowa State University and my MS in Animal Nutrition from Iowa State University. I earned my Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in Ruminant Nutrition. By life choice and years of self-training as a Life Long Learner,  I have become a Comparative Animal Nutritionist and work with ALL types of animals.

How did you become interested in your field?

I planned to become a veterinarian but found nutrition and was enthralled – I jumped into the Ocean of Nutrition in our Amazing World of Animals and have never looked back!

Why did you want to become a professor?

Not sure I did…just followed the road so that I could teach and be in the classroom. My path has blessed me with MANY life experiences that have helped me become the teacher I am today.

What is your favorite thing about working with college students?

The raw potential of what they can become! It gives me hope that we may indeed save the world with their inquisitive minds and enthusiasm.

What advice would you pass along to students?

FIRST AND FOREMOST GO TO CLASS!!!!!! And take time to stop,  talk, and get to know your teacher.