UT Institute of Agriculture Presents Top Faculty and Staff Awards for 2023
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture recognized some of its top faculty, staff, researchers and Extension experts at UTIA’s annual awards and promotions luncheon on the UTIA campus in Knoxville on August 15, 2023. Many of the awards are gifts made possible by faculty, alumni and friends of the Institute.
UT Institute of Agriculture Senior Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice President Keith Carver hosted the award winners and celebrated their work. “I’m excited to celebrate the amazing work of our UTIA faculty and staff,” says Carver. “These awards are well-deserved and represent our employees’ steadfast dedication to their work, the Institute and the people of Tennessee. The impact of their accomplishments and passion will be felt for generations to come.”
Brian Whitlock, professor of farm animal field services in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, is one recipient of the J.E. Moss Achievement Award. Established in memory of J.E. and Ann Moss, this award recognizes excellent achievement in teaching, research, and Extension for the Institute of Agriculture. Awards are provided each year for each of the four units of the Institute of Agriculture. They are selected by a committee including the senior vice president and senior vice chancellor and the four deans of the Institute. Darcy Smith from AgResearch, Charley Martinez from the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, and Emma Willcox from the School of Natural Resources also received the award.
“I am honored and humbled to have been chosen as one of the 2023 recipients of the J.E. Moss Achievement Award,” says Whitlock. “My heartfelt gratitude goes to my family, friends, students, and colleagues for their steadfast support and encouragement. The extraordinary individuals who have guided and collaborated with me throughout my journey here have exceeded my wildest expectations, and I feel incredibly blessed.”
Whitlock has been at the veterinary college for 15 years and has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, book chapters, and abstracts and proceedings. A leader in the field of theriogenology, Whitlock was named the Theriogenologist of the Year in 2022 by the American College of Theriogenologists. In addition to his work as a clinician, Whitlock uses his expertise to study reproductive neuroendocrinology and animal models of human health. He has mentored many graduate students and veterinary medical residents and serves as a go-to mentor for new faculty.
Whitlock earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Campbellsville University, a master’s degree in animal Science from Michigan State University, a DVM from Auburn University, doctorate from Auburn University, and is a specialist in reproduction as a Diplomate of the American College of Theriogenology.
Through its land-grant mission of research, teaching and extension, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. utia.tennessee.edu.