By Maggie Edwards 

Alabama farmer Dr. Kim Mullenix is ready to beef up Auburn University’s (AU) Department of Animal Sciences after being selected to lead the program. 

“The team is excited to continue teaching the next generation of animal scientists,” said Mullenix, who received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal sciences from AU. “We’re focused on the curriculum we offer and elevating the student experience. We want to use our program to differentiate ourselves from others by focusing on high-impact experiences.” 

Mullenix said her goals include seeing the department become a regional leader in animal agriculture research and premier information source for animal science practices.

“It’s key to show students what it means to be an animal scientist,” Mullenix said. “They can make a difference with a career in this industry.” 

In her previous role as the Alabama Cooperative Extension System beef cattle specialist, Mullenix’s boots-on-the-ground mindset served the needs of Alabama farmers like Lawrence County’s Mitchell Henry.

“Kim cares about the beef industry wholeheartedly,” said Henry, who serves on the Alabama Farmers Federation State Beef Committee and holds a degree in animal sciences from AU. “She believes in beef cattle and Alabama’s agriculture industry and will be an excellent department head.” 

Mullenix was raised on her family’s cattle and hay farm in Newnan, Georgia, where her parents were involved in the Georgia Cattlemen’s Association. 

Today, she’s continuing the family tradition and raising cattle in Lee County with her husband, Daniel, and their children, Davis, Harper and Mary Ellis. 

“Cattle is a shared passion of ours and is one thing that brought us together” said Daniel, who works for GreenPoint Ag and is a member of the Federation’s Agricultural Leaders for Alabama leadership development program. “I’m proud of Kim and the opportunity she has to lead and make a difference. I have no doubt she’ll do a great job and leave a legacy on the department.”

The Mullenixes are members of the Federation and Alabama Cattlemen’s Association. They won Alabama’s 2019 Young Farmers Excellence in Agriculture contest and competed nationally. Mullenix said Young Farmers helped broaden their network.

“Young Farmers is a great starting point to get involved with the industry,” Mullenix said. “You can see that with Daniel’s vice president role in the Lee County Farmers Federation and with my leadership growth at AU.”

Federation President Jimmy Parnell said he’s proud to see a farmer in a role pivotal to the livestock industry. 

“Kim is a hard worker who understands Alabama livestock production and cares about producers,” said Parnell, a Chilton County cattle farmer. “Students, farmers and stakeholders will benefit from her leadership. AU animal sciences is in great hands.”