Auburn University welcomes Govind Kannan, PhD, as the new head of the Department of Poultry Science and director of the Charles C. Miller Poultry Research and Education Center, effective June 1.
Paul Patterson, dean of the Auburn University College of Agriculture, expressed confidence in Dr. Kannan’s appointment, citing his extensive background in academic research, university leadership, and poultry and veterinary practice.
“The selection of Dr. Kannan reflects his impressive experience, positioning both him and the poultry science department for future success,” remarked Dean Patterson. “I eagerly anticipate his arrival at Auburn and collaborating with him in his new capacity.”
The Department of Poultry Science at Auburn University offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate academic programs, along with robust research and extension initiatives. With 52 undergraduates and 31 graduate students enrolled last fall, the department continues to play a pivotal role in advancing poultry science education and research.
In his dual role, Dr. Kannan will oversee the operations of the Charles C. Miller Research and Education Center, a state-of-the-art 30-acre poultry farm equipped with cutting-edge technology spanning breeding, hatching, nutrition, processing, and more.
Dr. Kannan joins Auburn University from Fort Valley State University, where he currently serves as the vice president for land-grant affairs and economic development. Previously, he held positions as the dean and director of the College of Agriculture, Family Sciences, and Technology at Fort Valley State. His tenure at the university also included roles as assistant dean for research, director of the Georgia Small Ruminant Research and Extension Center, and coordinator of the animal science undergraduate programs at Madras Veterinary College.
Before his tenure at Fort Valley State, Dr. Kannan gained experience as a veterinary officer at a commercial poultry hatchery in Bangalore, India, and as an assistant professor at Madra Veterinary College. His diverse background and expertise are poised to enrich Auburn University’s poultry science department and research endeavors.
