Steven Anderson, manager of NDSU’s Sheep Unit and animal science instructor, has been in his current role since 2009. Anderson earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in animal science from NDSU.
Steven “Skip” Anderson’s deep-rooted love for agriculture is evident in the dedication he has for the well-being of livestock on campus.
As the manager of NDSU’s Sheep Unit located along 19th Ave. N, Anderson is responsible for taking care of over 500 sheep in the facility, including assisting with births during lambing season, working alongside his student employees and providing sheep for teaching and research opportunities on NDSU’s main campus. The job is a year-round commitment.
“In animal agriculture there are no days off. So, when the university is closed for a blizzard, we're here ensuring animals are safe and fed. When there are holidays, we're here. NDSU’s livestock managers take care of NDSU’s animals every day,” Anderson said.
Agriculture, and livestock in particular, has always had a big role in Anderson’s life. He grew up on a farm raising sheep and said the decision to pursue a career in animal science was an easy choice.
After earning his bachelor’s degree in animal science from NDSU, Anderson started at a cattle ranch in Mississippi, where he worked with Angus cattle. It was in that job where Anderson was introduced to livestock marketing as he had the chance to network with leaders in the field, sparking a passion for livestock sales and marketing.
When Anderson returned to NDSU as the Sheep Unit manager in 2009, the opportunity opened to teach the NDSU Department of Animal Sciences livestock sales and marketing class. Anderson has served as the course instructor ever since and has enjoyed providing industry experience to his students.
As an NDSU alumni having most recently earned his master’s degree in animal science last year, Anderson said he wants his students to have the same opportunities he was provided.
“I had great mentors when I was a student here and I feel it’s important to allow students to have that same experience,” he said.
In his class Anderson implements a teaching style that prioritizes engagement, open discussion and real-world application.
“I try to remove that chase for points and grades and instead encourage students to chase knowledge,” Anderson said. “I treat my class like a tour guide leading students through the world of livestock marketing. I bring in guest speakers, industry professionals and encourage creative projects that align with students’ interests.”
Previous students have gone on to become veterinarians, educators and livestock sales professionals.
In addition to his livestock sales and marketing class, Anderson opens the Sheep Unit for a variety of other students looking to gain hands-on experience in their desired fields, including those studying veterinary technology.
For some students, stepping into the facility is their first time being around sheep.
“Seeing those students thrive in a situation where they get to learn and do new things while getting hands-on experience is what I’m all about,” Anderson said.
Beyond NDSU students, Anderson ensures those in the community also have the chance to meet the livestock. The Sheep Unit hosts several tours for area elementary schools each year, and Anderson brings lambs to NDSU’s Center for Child Development periodically throughout the year. In 2024, more than 400 community members toured the NDSU Sheep Unit.
Anderson said NDSU’s pride in agriculture and the land-grant mission of providing education, research and service across the state is what he loves most about working for NDSU.
“Every day, the NDSU Sheep Unit has the opportunity to further the land-grant mission by providing learning opportunities for students, providing sheep for cutting-edge research that improves animal and human health, and offering North Dakota citizens learning opportunities through Extension and outreach. I get to connect NDSU to the people we serve through animal agriculture, and that is pretty cool,” shares Anderson.
The Little International Livestock Show is one example of when agriculture takes center stage on campus. As one of the advisors for the Saddle and Sirloin Club, Anderson helps put on the annual show, which is the largest student-run activity on the NDSU campus.
Looking ahead, Anderson said he is excited about the 100th anniversary of Little I coming up in 2026. As for his roles as Sheep Unit manager and instructor, Anderson wants to continue making an impact on the education of his students, both in his class and in the Sheep Unit.
“Each year brings a new set of students and a new excitement level of getting students involved,” Anderson said.
