The University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Department of Animal and Food Sciences annually recognizes someone who has made outstanding contributions to the department and to Kentucky animal agriculture with induction into its Hall of Fame. This year, the department awarded the honor to Dr. Pearse Lyons, the founder and president of Alltech, a global animal health company headquartered in Nicholasville and with a presence in 128 countries.

Lyons, who founded the company in 1980, is widely recognized as an entrepreneur and innovative industry leader. His nominator said Lyons is a strong supporter of the UK Department of Animal and Food Sciences, and that through his efforts, the Alltech/UK Nutrition Research Alliance and the Alltech/UK Center for Nutrigenomics were created. Additionally, more than 55 PhD students at the University of Kentucky have been supported by Alltech.

“Dr. Lyons is a strong supporter of graduate education at UK, and he has provided financial support for many graduate assistantships and for postdoctoral fellows in all disciplines,” said Dr. Anthony Pescatore, UK extension poultry specialist, who nominated Lyons for the honor. “Through his annual symposium and through the World Equestrian Games, Dr. Lyons continues to present Kentucky animal agriculture in a positive light throughout the world. Having a global company in close proximity to our department provides opportunities for faculty, graduates and students that few programs in the world have.”

Induction into the Hall of Fame represents the highest honor that the Department of Animal and Food Sciences can bestow.

Photo: (pictured left to right) Dr. Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech, is inducted into the University of Kentucky’s Animal and Food Sciences Hall of Fame by Dr. Robert Harmon, chair of the University of Kentucky’s Animal and Food Sciences Department. Photo Credit: Steve Patton