Animal geneticist dies at 96

Arthur Barclay “Chappie” Chapman, emeritus professor of genetics and animal breeding, died Dec. 29 at the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare facility in Madison. He was 96 years old.

Chapman joined the faculty of the UW in 1936 and became a full professor of genetics in 1947. He was appointed professor of animal breeding and genetics in the departments of Meat and Animal Science and Genetics and Dairy Science in 1972, and was named professor emeritus following his retirement in 1975.

Chapman taught genetics and animal breeding in short course; animal breeding and principles of genetics for undergraduates; design and analysis of animal experiments, and biometrical genetics related “to genetic improvement of livestock”; and an animal breeding seminar for graduate students.

Chapman’s research focused on selection procedures and mating systems related to genetic improvement of livestock. He authored hundreds of research papers and journal articles and co-authored several books. Chapman received many awards and fellowships, including a Rockefeller Foundation award and Fulbright and Guggenheim Foundation fellowships.

Donations may be made to the A. B. Chapman Lecture Series, care of University of Wisconsin Foundation, P.O. Box 8860, Madison, WI 53708.