Kim Mullenix will serve as the next head of the Auburn University Department of Animal Sciences, effective Aug. 19. She has been a member of the department’s faculty since 2014, currently serving as an associate professor, extension beef systems specialist and program team coordinator for the Alabama Extension Animal Science and Forages team.

“Throughout each of her roles over the past decade, Dr. Mullenix has shown exceptional leadership qualities and commitment to excellence,” said Paul Patterson, dean of the Auburn University College of Agriculture. “She knows our animal sciences department deeply and is well equipped to serve it through this leadership role.”

In addition to her roles at Auburn, Mullenix has served as president of the American Society of Animal Science Southern Section, board member for the Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association, life member of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association and active member of the Alabama Farmers Federation. She also is a 2024 graduate of LEAD21, a leadership development program for faculty and staff of land-grant institutions. Readers of Progressive Cattle are familiar with her articles in the Southeast Regional Roundup.

“I look forward to working with our faculty, staff, students and stakeholders to cultivate leaders, drive innovations and support our state’s vibrant animal agriculture industries,” Mullenix said. “Together, we will build upon the department’s strong foundation to foster partnerships and enhance our impacts on agricultural communities.”

Mullenix said her goals for the department include seeing it become a regional leader in animal agriculture research and a premier information source for animal science practices. She also plans to work with the department to foster a dynamic learning environment for students while engaging alumni, stakeholders and students throughout the department, the college of agriculture and the university.

Mullenix earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal sciences from Auburn and a Ph.D. in agronomy from the University of Florida.

As department head, she will succeed Wayne Greene, who has served in the role since 2005 and is returning to a research and teaching position in the department.

“Dr. Greene has provided steady leadership for the department of animal sciences for 19 years,” Patterson said. “During his tenure, he has built a vibrant and productive group of faculty and staff. We look forward to the future contributions he will offer to the department.”