Dr Graham Alexander was a distinguished agricultural and rural research expert. He graduated from UQ in 1950 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science.
Following his graduation, Dr Alexander spent a number of years at the then-Queensland Department of Agriculture and Stock, reaching the role of director general in 1980. In 1956 he took leave from the Department to undertake research in the US and received a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy from Oregon State College. Upon his return to the Department, he worked on a number of significant projects including dairy and beef cattle breeding and performance programs, administrative change programs, and the establishment of an overseas development unit.
Outside of the Department of Agriculture and Stock, Dr Alexander contributed to a number of professional bodies including the Australian Veterinary Association, Australian Association of Cattle Veterinarians and the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists. Dr Alexander served in the UQ Senate for 18 years, and was Deputy Chancellor of the University from 1993 until 1995.
Dr Alexander was named an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1986, and was awarded a Doctor of Veterinary Science honoris causa from UQ in 2000. He passed away in 2007.