The Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment has appointed Anna Kate Shoveller as director of the Higgins-Neyland Companion Animal Program and professor in the Department of Animal and Food Sciences. She is expected to join the university in 2027.
Shoveller currently serves as a professor in the Department of Animal Biosciences at the University of Guelph, where she holds the Champion Petfoods Research Chair in Canine and Feline Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism and a University of Guelph Research Leadership Chair. She has published more than 180 peer-reviewed papers, contributed to multiple book chapters and secured more than $10 million in research funding. Prior to her academic career, she held research positions with Procter & Gamble and Mars Petcare.
"Dr. Shoveller is a globally recognized leader whose work will elevate our ability to advance companion animal health through research, teaching and industry partnership," said Laura Stephenson, vice president for land-grant engagement and dean of Martin-Gatton CAFE. "This position reflects our commitment to preparing students for careers in a growing and important field, while strengthening the connections between science and practice. We are also grateful to The Bill Gatton Foundation for its vision and investment in making the Higgins-Neyland Companion Animal Program — and this opportunity — possible."
At Kentucky, Shoveller will lead efforts to expand the program, foster collaboration across disciplines and strengthen partnerships with industry stakeholders. She will also teach and mentor students for careers in animal health, nutrition and related fields.
According to UK, the Higgins-Neyland Companion Animal Program is one of four primary pillars of The Bill Gatton Foundation's $100 million gift to Martin-Gatton CAFE. The program is named for Gatton's pets — Higgins, his cat, and Neyland, his dog.
Students in the program will explore how animals and people interact, support one another and shape communities, moving beyond traditional animal sciences to examine the social, ethical and health dimensions of those relationships.
