STILLWATER, Okla. — Richard D. Coffey has accepted the role of head of the Department of Animal and Food Sciences in the Oklahoma State University Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Dr. Coffey is expected to be approved at the Oklahoma A&M Board of Regents meeting in April.

“Our animal and food sciences department attracts students from all over the world, and we are pleased to announce new leadership for the department, positioning our students, faculty, and stakeholders for sustained success and growth,” said Thomas G. Coon, vice president and dean of OSU Agriculture.

Coffey plans to begin the new position on July 1. “I look forward to joining the department and working alongside faculty and staff on our important land-grant missions of teaching, research and Extension,” Coffey said. “I anticipate new and effective partnerships with alumni and stakeholders on the many shared goals and priorities that we have.”

Coffey is currently chair of the Department of Animal and Food Sciences at the University of Kentucky. He has also served as a professor in the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and director of the UK Research and Education Center.

He received a bachelor’s degree in animal science and a master’s degree in swine nutrition from OSU. He holds a UK doctorate in swine nutrition with a minor in biochemistry. In 2019, Coffey was named an Advanced Degree Graduate of Distinction by the OSU Department of Animal and Food Sciences.

–Gail Ellis
Oklahoma State University