Dr. Byron Blagburn

DR. BYRON BLAGBURN

1947 – 2024

Dr. Byron Blagburn, 77, Distinguished University  Professor in the Department of Pathobiology, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, in Auburn, Alabama.  Dr. Blagburn arrived at Auburn University in March 1982 and held a continuous faculty appointment for over 40 years. In 1999, Dr. Blagburn became the 10th Distinguished University Professor in Auburn University’s history.  He taught parasitology to veterinary students, directed graduate research, and served as the director of Auburn’s clinical parasitology diagnostic laboratory. Dr. Blagburn was recognized internationally for his work and research in veterinary parasitology and recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Companion Animal Parasite Council. 

Dr. Blagburn was born on March 22, 1947, in Cottonwood, Missouri, and grew up in Benton Harbor, Michigan. Dr. Blagburn led a life of professional impact, scientific accomplishment, and discovery. Interwoven with his many accomplishments were humility, patience, generosity, loyalty, friendship, and family devotion. Byron dedicated 40 of his very best years to the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. 

Byron was not only a dedicated scientist but also a man of many passions. He was fascinated by guitars, a passion that started at an early age and led him to perform in multiple bands. He also had a keen interest in music, which he pursued by training at the Berklee School of Music in Boston. His academic journey led him to receive a B.S. and M.S. in Biology from Andrews University and a Ph.D. in Parasitology from the University of Illinois.

“I personally have a tremendous sense of gratitude for Byron’s influence on my own career — I admired him and tried to emulate his ambition, patience, reserved approach, ability to instill confidence in other people, courage when change was needed, and his incredible behind-the-scenes work ethic,” noted Calvin Johnson, Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine. “His impact and influence will live on through those he trained and influenced during his extraordinary career.”

Dr. Blagburn is survived by his loving wife, Kathy Blagburn, son Matthew Blagburn, daughter-in-law Katherine Blagburn, granddaughter Amelia “Millie” Blagburn, brother Charles (Barbara) Blagburn and sister Linda (Jim) Clegg.