By Allison Peck
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — The new student housing facility at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center in North Platte has been officially named the Don and Gloria Clanton Student House, honoring the lasting contributions of Dr. Don Clanton and his wife, Gloria.
The naming was approved by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents during its February meeting following the death of Clanton on Dec. 8, 2025. A professor emeritus of animal science, Clanton spent decades shaping beef cattle research in Nebraska and mentoring students who would go on to careers in agriculture and academia.
Clanton began his career with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln Department of Animal Science in 1958. In 1966, he became the beef cattle research program leader at the university’s North Platte Station, now known as the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center.
After relocating to North Platte, Clanton pursued what would become a lifelong goal: establishing a working research ranch in Nebraska’s Sandhills. Through more than two decades of planning and collaboration with colleagues across multiple disciplines, he helped create the Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory, now recognized internationally for its research contributions.
Following the laboratory’s establishment, Clanton was named coordinator for beef cattle and range research at the facility in 1981.
Throughout his career, Clanton also devoted himself to teaching and mentoring students. He advised 14 master’s students and 14 doctoral students, a role he often considered among his greatest accomplishments.
“There were other students before me and a number of students after me, and I think almost all of them would say that Don’s practical application of science really made a difference in their careers,” said Jack Whittier, professor emeritus of animal science and one of Clanton’s former graduate students.
While Clanton received numerous honors during his career, family members and colleagues said he valued recognition connected to his students above all else.
“The biggest thing he was proud of was his graduate students,” said his daughter, Willo Auger.
The naming of the student house recognizes not only Clanton’s research achievements but also his commitment to supporting future generations of agricultural professionals. The inclusion of Gloria Clanton’s name reflects the family’s desire to honor her contributions as well.
“It was important to have Mom’s name in the title. If you talk to a lot of these ranchers out there, they would fall apart if it wasn’t for the wife,” said Chuck Clanton, the couple’s son. “They are the unsung heroes, and the things they had to sacrifice to keep the ranch going, that was kind of the same way with Gloria.”
The student house expands housing opportunities for students visiting the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center for graduate research projects and internships. University officials said the facility will help support current and future students as they gain experience through agricultural research and outreach programs.
Loren Berger, a longtime colleague of Clanton, said the dedication ensures his influence will continue through the students who use the facility.
“Don’s greatest joy was seeing students advance and learn and go on to apply some of the things he helped them prepare for,” Berger said.
The Clanton family has requested that memorial donations be directed to the University of Nebraska Foundation’s Don and Gloria Clanton Fund for Gudmundsen Sandhills Laboratory Research, Fund No. 01140790, to continue supporting the work that defined much of Clanton’s career.