May 8, 2013
Meet one of K-State's newest university distinguished professors: Mike Tokach
Submitted by Communications and Marketing
Kansas State University has chosen five faculty members as its newest university distinguished professors: James Edgar, Stephen Higgs, Ryszard Jankowiak, Philip Nel and Mike Tokach.
Each day K-State Today will individually spotlight each new university distinguished professor. University distinguished professor is lifetime title and the highest honor that the university bestows on its faculty. It is given following a universitywide competition conducted by the provost.
Mike Tokach is a professor of animal sciences and industry and a K-State Research and Extension specialist.
Tokach researches practical swine nutrition and works with producers on rapid adoption and technology transfer to Kansas livestock producers. He has authored 204 articles in scientific journals, six book chapters and more 700 extension and non-refereed articles. He has received more than $4 million in research funding from organizations, including the National Pork Board, the Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and numerous industry partners. He has been awarded seven patents for his research. He has given more than 100 invited lectures at national and international conferences, and has developed multiple in-depth nutritional education programs for veterinary students and veterinarians, extension specialists and feed industry personnel.
Additionally, Tokach is a member of an aggressive swine extension group with fellow faculty members Jim Nelssen, Steve Dritz, Joel DeRouchey and Robert Goodband, as well as graduate students advised by the researchers. The group has generated more than $3.5 million in gifts to Kansas State University for construction to facilities such as the gestation barn and weaning facilities to support extension research projects.
He has advised and mentored 39 advanced-degree students and visiting professors. He is a member of the American Society of Animal Science, the American Association of Swine Practitioners, Epsilon Sigma Phi, Gamma Sigma Delta, Phi Eta Sigma, Alpha Zeta, Phi Kappa Phi, Alpha Lambda Delta and his alma maters' alumni associations.
Tokach joined Kansas State University in 1991 as an assistant professor. He earned his bachelor's degree in animal and range science from North Dakota State University in 1986; his master's degree in animal science from Kansas State University in 1988; and his doctorate in animal science from the University of Minnesota in 1991. His wife, Lisa, also specializes in swine as a veterinarian at the Abilene Animal Hospital in Abilene.