A 22-year veteran of the University of Kentucky's animal science department has been named its new chairman.

Robert J. Harmon officially began his duties on July 1. He had served as interim chairman since November. Prior to that he was a UK researcher and faculty member specializing in mastitis control and lactation physiology.

"Bob has given extraordinary service to our College over many years and we are very pleased to have an individual of his caliber assume leadership of our animal science teaching, research, and extension programs," said Scott Smith, dean of the UK College of Agriculture. Harmon said he looks forward to the challenges that lie ahead.

"We have an exciting future in animal sciences with state-of-the-art animal research facilities at the Animal Research Center and well-trained faculty in several disciplines who will take advantage of this opportunity to assist the advancement of Kentucky agriculture," he said. "Animal sciences must be poised to address the changes and challenges in animal agriculture and the food sciences in the next five to 10 years. In addition, we need to evaluate the changing background and interests of students entering our programs, and find ways to continue to provide them with the highest quality educational experience."

Harmon earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Ohio State University, and his Ph.D. in veterinary microbiology and immunology from the University of Guelph in Canada. He is a past recipient of the American Dairy Science Association's West Agro Award, and in 1999 was awarded the George Mitchell Award for Outstanding Service to Graduate Students by Gamma Sigma Delta.