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Classroom Named in Honor of Ronald K. Abe

Posted on Apr 12, 2024

Classroom 112, in the Cozy L. Ellison Building, has been named after Ronald K. Abe, Ph.D.

Ronald K. Abe, Ph.D., was born into a lineage rich in tradition and honor. As the grandson of a samurai warrior, a deep sense of integrity and compassion was instilled in him from an early age. Raised in the vibrant community of Hilo, Hawaii, he was the youngest of six children, surrounded by love, laughter, and the cherished bonds of family.

Abe pursued his passion for animal science, earning a bachelor's degree from the University of Hawaii in 1962. His thirst for knowledge led him to Kansas State University (KSU), where he earned a master's degree in animal production in 1965 and a Ph.D. in animal nutrition in 1970.

Upon completing his studies, Cozy Ellison, Ph.D., a fellow KSU alum, offered Abe a teaching position at Fort Valley State College (FVSC). Abe's visit to the campus and interview filled him with excitement and optimism. He joined as an associate professor of Animal Science, imparting knowledge in biology and ecology to eager students.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Abe was a distinguished member of the Sigma Xi fraternity and the Scientific Research Honor Society, a creative cook, and an entrepreneur. He established Trojan Farms in 1986, where he raised cattle and cultivated koi fish. Later, in 2004, alongside his son Vernard, he expanded the business into Trojan Farms & Real Estate, LLC.

Abe's influence extended beyond the classroom and into the hearts of his family, particularly inspiring his son, Vernard, with a deep love and appreciation for animals. A graduate of FVSU, Vernard followed in his father's footsteps and pursued a career in veterinary medicine. Guided by his father's passion and wisdom, Vernard became a successful veterinarian, embodying the values of compassion, dedication, and excellence instilled in him by his father and the shared love and devotion for FVSU!

Abe's gentle demeanor and generous spirit endeared him to all who knew him, including family, friends, and colleagues. His legacy of kindness, wisdom, and mentorship lives on through the lives he touched, from his beloved wife, Hazel, and son, Vernard, to his grandson, VJ, and the countless students whose paths he illuminated with his guidance.

In the tapestry of Ronald K. Abe's life, his legacy shines brightly as a beacon of inspiration and compassion, forever etched in the hearts of those he loved and those whose lives he enriched. 

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