August 25, 2017
Montana Western alum and rodeo team member Will Shirley has been accepted into the University of Missouri Animal Science Graduate School.
A native of Conrad, Mont., he has a passion for genetics and agriculture. The University of Missouri is located in Columbia, Mo. and is the largest university in the state. As part of Shirley’s specialization in Genetics and Beef Reproduction, he has been conducting embryo transplants throughout the summer.
In addition to receiving a tuition waiver, he will also be an assistant manager at the Missouri farm in charge of livestock. The Animal Science Research Center at the university covers nearly five acres, and includes research laboratories and classrooms.
During his time at Montana Western, Shirley was active in several student organizations including the Rodeo Team, Young Farmers and Ranchers and the student senate, ASUMW. He competed in saddle bronc and team roping. Shirley’s goal is to complete a PhD and return to his home in Dillon and lead the field in beef genetics.
