Harold W. Harpster was born in Centre County, Pennsylvania, and raised on a livestock and crops farm in Pennsylvania Furnace.  An avid 4-H and FFA member, he began a life-long association with the Keystone Livestock Exposition at a young age as a beef cattle exhibitor. 

Harold received a BS degree in animal industries in 1971 and a MS degree in animal nutrition in 1973 from Penn State.  After working several years as a research assistant at Penn State, he attended Michigan State University and received a PhD in ruminant nutrition in 1978.  He is currently an Associate Professor of animal Science at Penn State with a three-way appointment in teaching, research, and extension.  Dr. Harpster is the undergraduate program coordinator for the animal sciences major

and is responsible for course and  curriculum development.  He serves as the academic advisor for about 20 Penn State students annually and teaches courses in nutrition and management of livestock and companion animals.

Dr. Harpster advised the Penn State Block and Bridle Club, the student affiliate division of the American Society of Animal Science, for 13 years during which time the club was repeatedly recognized for excellence at the national levels.  For eight years he served the national organization as Secretary/Treasurer, Vice President, and President.  In addition, he coached the winning National Academic Beef Quiz Bowl Team in 1993.

Harold has served a number of organizations in various capacities: College of Agriculture Alumni Society (Board of Directors, 1984-1990); American Society of Animal Science (Board of Directors, 1991-1993) and President of the Northeast Section (1992-1993); past secretary/treasurer and board member of the Penn State Stockman’s Club; and past board member of the Pennsylvania Forage and grassland council.  He is board member and secretary of the Pennsylvania Livestock Association and served on the KILE collegiate livestock judging contest committee for many years.  Dr. Harpster shares his expertise with producers on a regular basis, writing a monthly Stock Notes column for the Pennsylvania Farmer and American Agriculturist magazines since 1983.

Dr. Harpster has been recognized with several honors related to teaching, research, and advising at Penn State: Pennsylvania Forage and Grassland Council Special Award for Teaching and Research (1989); College of Agriculture Alumni Society Excellence (2004); and the Penn State University Teaching Fellow Award (2006), presented to one teacher at University Park annually.

Harold ad his wife Dawn have two children, daughter Lisa, a graduate of Penn State, and son Matt, a student at Penn State and both former members of 4-H.  He enjoys working on the home farm, hunting, fishing, and spending a little time at the family cabin along the west branch of the Susquehanna River in Clearfield County.