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 (CASNR). His appointment will take effect June 1.
He succeeds Tiffany Heng-Moss, who in January was named interim NU vice president and Harlan Vice Chancellor for Nebraska’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR). Her appointment also is effective June 1. Heng-Moss was named interim vice chancellor after current IANR Vice President and Vice Chancellor Mike Boehm announced in January he would return to the faculty. Boehm has served as NU vice president and Harlan Vice Chancellor for IANR since 2017.
A Lincoln native, Burkey joined the faculty in the animal science department in 2006 and currently serves as a professor, as well as CASNR’s 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 & 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 Nebraska's Animal Science Department.
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,” said Boehm. “I am looking forward to seeing CASNR’s great trajectory continue under his leadership.”
CASNR 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 Ph.D. 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. In Fall 2024, the college welcomed its second-largest incoming class, with 640 first-time freshmen and transfer students.
“It is an incredible honor to be named the interim CASNR dean,” Burkey said. “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.”
