Professional News

UK Board Approves Nancy Cox as Dean of College of Ag, Food and Environment

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 17, 2013) — The appointment of Nancy Cox as dean of the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment was approved by the UK Board of Trustees today. Cox has served as the college's associate dean for research for the past 12 years.

In announcing the appointment three weeks ago, UK Provost Christine Riordan cited Cox's compelling vision for the future of the college and a national reputation for leadership.  She will begin her new position Jan. 1, 2014.

Under her leadership as associate dean for research at the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, extramural funding grew from less than $10 million in 2001 to $25 million in fiscal year 2013.  She worked to secure renovated facilities for the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, with a $30 million state investment, and she has worked extensively with the Kentucky Farm Bureau and numerous agriculture commodity boards to promote UK's agriculture research and extension programs.

She is widely regarded as a leader in the field of agriculture, serving on several national policy boards and organizations and has close ties to both civic and agricultural leaders throughout the Commonwealth, who  enthusiastically supported her candidacy for dean.

Cox earned a bachelor's degree in 1975 from Furman University, a master's from the University of Georgia in 1977 and her Ph.D. in 1982 from North Carolina State University.  She came to UK from Mississippi State University where she taught and conducted research. Cox will succeed Scott Smith, who has led the college since 2001. He plans to return to the faculty, where he has been a member for 35 years.