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2025-2026 University Research Professors Board of Trustees Recognition

The University of Kentucky Board of Trustees approved 18 University Research Professorships 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.
 

Download the 2025-26 University Research Professors Booklet

2025-2026 University Research Professors

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