A long-time leader of Kentucky youth livestock programs and swine extension will be the next director of the University of Kentucky Research and Education Center in Princeton. Richard Coffey will take over the leadership role July 1.

“Richard has shown his dedication to UKREC and its stakeholders in many ways throughout his career,” said Nancy Cox, UK College of Agriculture associate dean for research and director of the Kentucky Agricultural Experiment Station. “I am confident he will represent the station well and will dedicate himself to serving our clientele while supporting a productive workplace.”

The director of the center is a 50-percent appointment and includes managing all aspects of the center. Coffey will continue to work as a swine extension specialist and coordinator of UK youth livestock programs.

“It will be a new challenge, and I’m excited to work with the folks down here and with college administration to continue to make this place a vital part of the college,” he said.

Coffey received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Oklahoma State University and his doctoral degree from UK. After completing his doctorate in 1994, he became the UK swine extension specialist in Lexington and eventually moved to the Princeton center.

“This is truly a unique place with tremendous people who love what they do and have a service-oriented mindset,” he said.

Coffey replaces Lloyd Murdock, UK extension soils specialist and the center’s founding director. Murdock will likely take a post-retirement appointment with the college.