Tom Burkey, professor of non-ruminant nutrition at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, has been named interim dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
The appointment, pending approval by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, takes effect June 1. Burkey succeeds Tiffany Heng-Moss, who in January was named interim NU vice president and Harlan Vice Chancellor for UNL’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Her appointment is effective June 1. Heng-Moss was named interim vice chancellor after Mike Boehm, who has served as the leader of IANR since 2017, announced in January he would return to the faculty.
A Lincoln native, Burkey joined the faculty in the animal science department in 2006 and currently serves as a professor, as well as Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources' associate dean for graduate education. In these roles, Burkey has advanced strategic initiatives that enhance graduate education, workforce preparedness and student success. His efforts, including the co-creation of the Leadership Accelerator program and the development of the Graduate and Professional Student Community Resource Fair in collaboration with faculty, staff and graduate/professional students, reflect his commitment to equipping students with the skills needed for success in academia and industry. From December 2022 until July 2023, he served as the interim head of the Department of Animal Science.
Burkey is internationally recognized for his research in swine gut health, contributing to patented probiotics and co-founding Synbiotic Health. As president of Digestive Physiology of Pigs-North America and a member of the international steering committee, he plays a key role in shaping scientific advancements in animal health and nutrition. His leadership extends beyond research, integrating evidence-based decision-making into curriculum development, faculty mentorship, and institutional growth.
“Dr. Burkey is an incredibly collaborative and innovative leader who has demonstrated a deep commitment to student success and research excellence during his nearly two decades in Nebraska,” Boehm said. “I am looking forward to seeing CASNR’s great trajectory continue under his leadership.”
Burkey said it is an incredible honor to be named the college's interim dean.
"CASNR is leading the way in so many areas, including experiential education, pathway programs with K-12 schools, partnerships with industry, and so much more, and it is truly thrilling to be part of this inspiring and innovative community," Burkey said.
Nebraska's College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources provides hands-on learning experiences that prepare students to tackle real-world challenges in food, energy, water, health and communities. The college offers a wide range of degree programs, including 26 bachelor's, 15 master's, 12 doctoral programs, as well as a veterinary medicine program in partnership with Iowa State University. Together, these programs serve more than 3,000 students from nearly every Nebraska county, 47 states and more than 60 countries.
Learn more about the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.
