Burkey Named Interim Head of UNL Animal Science

Tom Burkey, a professor of non-ruminant nutrition at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has been named the interim head of UNL's Animal Science Department. His appointment will take effect Dec. 17.

Current department head Clint Krehbiel will leave the post in December serve as dean of the Gordon W. Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Texas Tech University. His last day will be Dec. 16. A national search for a permanent department head will be announced early in 2023.

"Dr. Burkey is a trusted and respected leader and colleague in the Animal Science Department," said Mike Boehm, NU vice president and Harlan Vice Chancellor for UNL's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. "I am delighted he has agreed to serve as interim department head, and I know he will capably lead the department through this time of transition."

A Lincoln native, Burkey joined the faculty in the animal science department in 2006. He conducts research related to the interactions between nutrition, gut microbes, and immunity in pigs. He also teaches a graduate-level nutrition course and is part of the teaching faculty at the UNL/Iowa State University Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine. Since 2020, he has served as the associate dean for graduate education in UNL's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

"I am humbled and excited to serve as interim head of the department," Burkey said. "The opportunity to share my passion for the land-grant mission areas with students, staff, faculty and stakeholders cannot be understated, and I look forward to serving in this capacity."