Dr. Tony J. Cunha joined the animal science faculty at the University of Florida in 1948 as associate professor. After being selected chairman of the department, Cunha gathered an outstanding group of faculty whose work contributed significantly to improving the Florida livestock industry. He was in charge of the coordination of teaching, extension and research in animal science through UF and 10 branch stations throughout the state. Cunha specialized in swine nutrition, but upon becoming chairman of the department expanded it greatly from animal nutrition to include research, teaching and extension programs in meat science, breeding, physiology and production management. Cunha initiated the beef cattle short course and initiated the Latin American Livestock and Poultry conference.