Laurie Lawrence, PhD, professor in the department of animal and food sciences at the University of Kentucky (UK), was recently awarded the Provost’s Distinguished Service Professorship, which honors a consistently high level of achievement in contributions to academic disciplines and the university.

Lawrence came to UK in 1992 and has built a nationally-respected program in equine nutrition research, which has addressed a number of key nutritional issues impacting the horse industry. Having contributed to more than 80 peer-reviewed journal articles, 21 book chapters, and more than 80 popular or professional publications and reports, she has been recognized with some of the most prestigious awards in her profession. Among these honors are the American Society of Animal Science’s Fellow Award, an Equine Science Award, and the American Feed Industry Association Nonruminant Nutrition Award. In addition she is a recipient of the Thomas Poe Cooper Award for Research, the highest honor in the College of Agriculture. Lawrence is one of the top scientists in the country that trains equine nutritionists. She has advised 31 masters students and 13 doctoral students and been invited to present at more than 125 presentations nationally and internationally.

Lawrence has been involved with UK’s Ag Equine Programs since its inception as the Equine Initiative in 2005