Dan Shike appointed head of the Department of Animal Sciences at Illinois
Dan Shike, a nationally recognized expert in beef cattle production systems and longtime faculty member at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, has been appointed head of the Department of Animal Sciences in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, effective June 16, 2026.
“Dr. Shike understands the many ways that animal sciences contributes to society through companion animal science, biomedical research, food systems, and human health,” said Germán Bollero, College of ACES Dean. “His collaborative leadership style, dedication to students, and record of excellence in research, teaching, and outreach position him well to lead the department into its next chapter."
Shike has served as the department's interim head since June 2024. His research focuses on identifying nutritional and management strategies that improve the efficiency, reproductive performance, and profitability of beef cattle production systems. His work examines the entire production cycle, helping producers improve profitability while supporting a safe and affordable food supply.
Over his career, Shike has secured more than $12 million in research funding and authored or co-authored more than 85 peer-reviewed publications. He has advised 30 master's and doctoral students, mentored more than 50 undergraduate researchers, and hosted numerous outreach programs serving producers and industry stakeholders across Illinois and beyond.
His contributions have been recognized through numerous honors, including the University of Illinois Provost's Distinguished Promotion Award, the Karl E. Gardner Outstanding Undergraduate Adviser Award, and the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture Educator Award. He has also been named to the university's “List of Teachers Ranked Excellent” more than 25 times.
A native of Illinois, Shike earned an associate degree from Black Hawk College, a bachelor's degree in animal sciences from Kansas State University, and both a master's degree and doctorate in animal sciences from the U. of I. He joined the faculty in 2011 after serving as a visiting assistant professor in the department.
"It is an honor to serve as head of a department with such a rich history and far-reaching impact," Shike said. "I look forward to working alongside our faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends to build on that foundation and advance the department's impact in Illinois and around the world."