Honoring Temple Grandin: Our Namesake
Researcher, Activist, Legend
Since she first joined Colorado State University in 1990, Dr. Temple Grandin has been a revolutionary leader in animal welfare and an outspoken advocate for those with autism. Grandin’s commitment to caring for others and making an impact in the world is the inspirational force behind the Temple Grandin Equine Center (TGEC) and its programming. As Grandin continues to serve as a role model and pillar of her community, the TGEC continues to honor and build on her legacy.
Thinking in Pictures
It wasn’t until college that Grandin realized that the way she thought of the world was different from her peers. As she describes it, the world comes together in a series of pictures.
This thinking in pictures has enabled Grandin to revolutionize the world of animal welfare. Grandin has thought meticulously through the world of images to envision how animals might see and feel about the world. Through this thinking, Grandin has come up with new animal management techniques that allow farmers to vaccinate and care for their livestock, while the animals remain fear free and healthy.
As someone with autism, Grandin has also used her voice to advocate for others with her condition. With countless books, interviews, and talks, Grandin has spoken out for greater acceptance of those with autism and stressed their importance to society. Beyond her public profile, Grandin has also devoted countless hours to autism advocacy organizations to help others reclaim their voice.
Becoming Grandin
Dr. Temple Grandin’s path to education and research was unconventional. Her first words were spoken at 3 years old, she found it hard to socialize with her peers, and she was kicked out of her high school due to fights with peers and underperformance.
When she was born in the 1950s, autism was not a widely recognized diagnosis which meant that Grandin had to navigate the world without a proper diagnosis. Despite this, Grandin came to find her passion through science and shared love of animals—specifically horses.
Motivated by her teacher Mr. Carlock, Grandin made her way to college where she eventually got a Ph.D in animal sciences. Now, as tenured faculty and a premier researcher at the CSU College of Agricultural Science’s Animal Sciences department, Grandin has continued to push for improved treatment and handling of animals while also devoting large amounts of time to being an advocate for those with autism.
Leaving a Legacy
With more than 30 years of research under her belt, Temple Grandin has left her mark as one of the most accomplished animal science researchers in the world, but her legacy doesn’t stop there.
Her tireless work has garnered her a host of awards, documentaries, and speaking engagements around the world. Grandin has landed on the Times 100 most influential people and appeared on NPR (National Public Radio). With two documentaries, nearly 500 research publications, and hundreds of hours of recoded speeches, Grandin has shared a wealth of knowledge with the world.
Temple Grandin established a legacy of caring for animals and people that’s reflected in the mission and vision of the Equine Cetner. Its programming and services continue to make an impact on more lives with each year.