Letter from Department Head
From the Desk of Dr. Todd Applegate
Greetings Alumni and Friends,
As we wrap up an exciting year in Poultry Science, I want to share some highlights and express my gratitude to those who make our department thrive.
First, congratulations to our three outstanding faculty members (Drs. Dalloul, Ellestad, and Kim), who each received a 2025 D.W. Brooks Award for Excellence! These honors reflect the dedication and innovation that define our department and strengthen UGA’s reputation in agricultural and environmental sciences.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to Wayne-Sanderson Farms, whose generous support for our new building totals $4.1 million. We proudly celebrated their contributions through the naming of our student lobby in November, showcasing their commitment to the future of the poultry industry and the shared partnerships that strengthen UGA’s mission.
A warm thank you to our Advisory Committee for their invaluable insights and guidance, especially in shaping our recruitment strategies and academic direction. Your support has been instrumental as we work to attract the next generation of poultry professionals. A special note of gratitude to our poultry sector partners who have provided perspective-building conversations with our students throughout the fall semester. Your engagement helps bridge classroom learning with real-world insights and inspires the next generation of leaders in our field.
It was fantastic to reconnect with so many of you at the Homecoming Barbecue this fall. Seeing alumni and friends come together reminds us of the strong community that surrounds Poultry Science. And of course, a big shout-out to Hairy Dawg for bringing the Bulldog spirit to both the BBQ and our Recruitment Open House!
On the recruitment front, we’re encouraged to see a slight increase in Poultry Science and Avian Biology majors for the first time post-COVID. While there’s more work ahead, these gains signal that our efforts are gaining traction. Looking forward, we’re excited to announce the reinstitution of the Poultry Judging Team in 2026, which we believe will further strengthen student engagement and interest in our programs.
As we look forward to a productive 2026, we are finalizing our strategic planning process to chart the course for the next several years, ensuring that our department remains at the forefront of education, research, and outreach in poultry science. To help us pave the way, we are wrapping up interviews for a new poultry physiologist faculty member, and we’re thrilled about the impact this position will have on our research and teaching mission. Looking ahead to 2026, we are equally excited to add a breeder/hatchery extension specialist, further expanding our capacity to serve Georgia’s poultry industry and beyond.
Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. Together, we’re building a vibrant future for Poultry Science at UGA!
Warm regards,
Dr. Todd J. Applegate