Press Releases

Commissioner Comer applauds appointment of Nancy Cox as dean of UK College of Agriculture

 

For Immediate Release
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
For more information contact:
Ted Sloan, (502) 564-1138

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner James Comer congratulated Nancy Cox on her appointment as the 11th dean of the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment today.

“I am thrilled that my friend Nancy Cox has been named the first female dean of the UK College of Agriculture,” Commissioner Comer said. “As associate dean of research, Nancy has firmly established UK as one of the leading agricultural research institutions in the nation. For the past 12 years, she has helped the UK College of Ag to better meet the needs of farmers, businesses, and consumers in the 21st century. Nancy is a good friend to the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, and I look forward to working with her in her new role.”

Cox is scheduled to take office Jan. 1 pending approval of the UK Board Trustees, UK said in a news release.

Cox will replace Scott Smith, who has served as dean since 2001. Smith will return to the faculty, where he has served for 35 years, the UK news release said.

“Kentucky agriculture has undergone dramatic change on Dean Smith’s watch,” Commissioner Comer said. “Under his leadership, UK and KDA have been stalwart partners in helping Kentucky farmers and businesses adapt to the changing agricultural environment and weather the many storms that they have had to endure. I’m pleased to see that Scott will continue to guide new generations of students into fulfilling careers in Kentucky agriculture.”