Professor Dan Shike has been appointed interim head for the Department of Animal Sciences (ANSC), part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Shike will replace current head Rodney Johnson when he becomes the college’s associate dean for research on June 16. 

“I am excited Dan will be at the helm of animal sciences,” Johnson said. “He has a wonderful understanding of the department, college, and livestock industry. He also has natural leadership qualities that will propel the department to new heights.”

Shike joined the ANSC faculty in 2011 after earning his master's degree and doctorate in ruminant nutrition in the department. He has developed a nationally recognized research program in beef cattle management and nutrition and has garnered over $11 million in research funding. In addition, Shike has authored or co-authored 80 peer-reviewed journal articles and given 75 invited talks and presentations nationally and internationally. He has advised 21 master’s and 10 doctoral students and mentored 50 undergraduate researchers.

Shike’s research, teaching, and service have garnered widespread respect and recognition. He earned the Provost’s Distinguished Promotion Award and ACES’ Karl E. Gardner Outstanding Undergraduate Advisor Award. The North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture, a professional society dedicated to scholarship in teaching and learning in agricultural disciplines, awarded Shike with its Educator Award in 2017. He was inducted into the Livestock Judging Hall of Fame at Black Hawk College East Campus, in 2019. 

“Shike brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to our mission, and we are confident in his ability to lead us during this transitional period,” said ACES Dean Germán Bollero. “We are excited to see how his leadership will continue to advance the animal sciences department's goals and initiatives.”

A national search for a permanent head is ongoing.