The University of Kentucky Welcomes New Leadership
The University of Kentucky's Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment announced on August 1st the appointment of Dr. Brett Sponseller as the new chair of the Department of Veterinary Science and director of the famed Maxwell H. Gluck Equine Research Center. This exciting development promises to usher in a new era of excellence in equine research and education at the university.
Meet Dr. Brett Sponseller
Dr. Sponseller is no stranger to the world of equine veterinary medicine. With nearly 30 years of experience as a clinician and researcher, he holds an impressive resume that includes a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Cornell University and a PhD in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology from Iowa State University. His primary research interest lies in equine infectious diseases, covering pathogens such as Rhodococcus equi, equine infectious anemia virus, equine herpesvirus-1, and Clostridioides difficile.
Comprehensive Background and Experience
The welcoming of the Sponseller duo, Dr. Brett and Dr. Beatrice Sponseller, heralds a significant advancement for UK’s equine programs. Dr. Beatrice Sponseller, who has over 25 years in equine internal and emergency medicine, is set to join the UK faculty. She will contribute considerably to the Equine Science and Management undergraduate degree program while overseeing clinical care and welfare for UK's equine research and teaching herds.
A Vision for Practical Research
Dr. Brett Sponseller’s vision aligns closely with practical applications in the equine world. He intends to work directly with industry stakeholders, ensuring that research conducted at the Gluck Center addresses critical health and welfare issues. His goal is for this research to translate into tangible solutions that positively affect equine health and management. Furthermore, his plans include bolstering educational programs and promoting outreach to disseminate new findings.
Enhancing Education and Outreach
Educational improvements and outreach are top priorities for Dr. Sponseller. Strengthening the educational offerings for students in the equine science discipline and advocating for increased funding to propel these initiatives forward are key elements of his strategic plan. With state-of-the-art facilities at their disposal, the Sponsellers are in prime position to elevate the UK’s reputation as a leader in equine research.
Community and Industry Collaboration
Understanding the importance of industry collaboration, Dr. Sponseller emphasizes building strong relationships with key stakeholders. This approach will not only ensure that research is relevant but also foster a community of shared knowledge and advancements in equine health. Such collaborative efforts are expected to push the boundaries of current veterinary science and contribute to richer, more effective equine care practices.
Support from Esteemed Colleagues
The appointment of the Sponsellers is celebrated by prominent figures within the university. Nancy Cox, UK’s vice president for land-grant engagement, and Stuart Brown, chair of the Gluck Equine Research Foundation Board, both recognize this as a crucial step forward for the university’s equine research and education programs. The commitment and expertise that the Sponsellers bring are anticipated to further enhance the Gluck Center's already stellar reputation.
Learn More About the Gluck Equine Research Center
For those interested in delving deeper into the initiatives undertaken by the Gluck Equine Research Center and the Martin-Gatton CAFE, further information can be found at their official websites:
A Promising Future
The future indeed looks bright with the Sponseller duo at the helm of the University of Kentucky’s pivotal equine research and educational initiatives. Their unique blend of experience, passion, and strategic vision not only promises to address significant equine health issues but also enhances educational programs and facilitates community collaboration. Stay tuned as UK’s equine sciences take a step forward into new realms of innovation and achievement.
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