David Horohov has been named chairman of the University of Kentucky’s Department of Veterinary Science and director of the Gluck Equine Research Center, according to a news release from the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. Horohov will begin his appointment Sept. 23.

“We are extremely happy that David has joined the administrative team on a permanent basis,” says Nancy Cox, dean of the college. “We are fortunate to have someone of his distinguished research reputation at the helm of this important department. Even more important, David’s dedication to supporting Kentucky’s signature industry promises a focus on relevant research with high impact.”

Horohov has served as the interim chairman of the Department of Veterinary Science and the interim director of the Gluck Equine Research Center since September 2014. A professor and Jes E. and Clementine M. Schlaikjer Endowed Chair, Horohov specializes in equine immunology research. He joined the Gluck Center in 2003. Previously, he was a professor of veterinary immunology within the Department of Pathobiological Sciences at Louisiana State University’s School of Veterinary Medicine.

Horohov earned his bachelor’s degree in entomology from Penn State University, his master’s in insect pathology from Purdue University and his doctorate in immunology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He completed a post-doctorate in cytokine biology with the Food and Drug Administration.

“I am humbled and excited by this opportunity I have been given to be the chair of the Department of Veterinary Science and the director of the Gluck Equine Research Center,” he says. “I truly believe that this program offers exceptional opportunities, and I hope to continue our successes and accomplishments during my tenure as chair. I greatly appreciate the support I have received from Dean Nancy Cox, the faculty and our stakeholders. I very much look forward to working with all of them, as we move this program forward.”

He will oversee the department’s three entities — the Animal Genetics Testing and Research Laboratory, the Gluck Equine Research Center and the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.