18 faculty named 2025-26 University Research Professors
LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 29, 2025) — On Friday, the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees approved 18 University Research Professors for the 2025-26 academic year. Established by the Board of Trustees in 1976, the professorships program recognizes excellence across the full spectrum of research at UK.
“It is our privilege each year to recognize distinguished experts who have made significant contributions across the breadth of research fields at the University of Kentucky,” said Ilhem Messaoudi, UK’s acting vice president for research. “Our next cohort of University Research Professors have demonstrated excellence in fields that addresses scientific, social, cultural and economic challenges in our region and around the world.”
College leadership developed criteria for excellence within their area of expertise and then nominated faculty who excelled at these criteria. Each University Research Professor receives a one-year award of $10,000 and participates in other events planned around the program.
The 2025-26 University Research Professors are:
- Daniel K. Howe, Veterinary Science, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment
- Chris Richards, Chemistry, College of Arts and Sciences
- Scott Hutson, Anthropology, College of Arts and Sciences
- William Gerken, Finance and Quantitative Methods, Gatton College of Business and Economics
- Kimberly A. Parker, Integrated Strategic Communication, College of Communication and Information
- Mauro P. Santamaria, Oral Health Practice, College of Dentistry
- Daniel Vivian, Historic Preservation, College of Design
- Neal H. Hutchens, Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation, College of Education
- Zach Agioutantis, Mining Engineering, Stanley and Karen Pigman College of Engineering
- Donna Lee Kwon, School of Music, College of Fine Arts
- Nicholas Heebner, Athletic Training and Clinical Nutrition, College of Health Sciences
- Michael D. Murray, J. David Rosenberg College of Law
- Kenneth S. Campbell, Internal Medicine, College of Medicine
- M. Paul Murphy, Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, College of Medicine
- Ty Borders, College of Nursing
- David J. Feola, Pharmacy Practice and Science, College of Pharmacy
- Krystle A. Lang Kuhs, Epidemiology and Environmental Health, College of Public Health
- Rajeev Darolia, Martin School of Public Policy and Administration, The Graduate School
Weekly throughout the summer, the university will feature a 2025-26 University Research Professor in UKNow to share more about each professor’s area of research and how they are addressing a variety of challenges in Kentucky and beyond.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.