Bentley Joins K-State ASI Department as Assistant Professor of Sustainable Small Ruminant Production

MANHATTAN, Kan. –Kelsey Bentley has been hired as assistant professor of Sustainable Small Ruminant Production for the Kansas State University Animal Sciences and Industry Department. Her appointment will be 60% extension, 25% research and 15% teaching.

Bentley will teach Sheep and Meat Goat Science and her extension program will address issues facing the Kansas and U.S. small ruminant industry. Her goal is to collaborate with producers and stakeholders with the intent to generate research outcomes that provide practical solutions and innovations which will enhance their operations.

Bentley recently earned her doctorate in animal physiology at West Virginia University (WVU). She earned her master’s degree from WVU and her bachelor’s in animal science from North Carolina State University.

“It is my pleasure to announce that Kelsey Bentley will be joining our team in early August,” says Dr. Mike Day, K-State ASI department head. “Her expertise, background and training will provide important contributions to our extension, teaching, and research programs in small ruminants. Kelsey’s fiancé, Cooper McAuley, will also join ASI as a PhD student in the Applied Swine Nutrition team. We are very pleased to welcome Kelsey and Cooper to our ASI family.”

Throughout her graduate studies, Bentley had the opportunity to teach undergraduate students, coach the livestock judging team, design educational programs for livestock producers and industry researchers and conduct research to assist small ruminant producers. Her graduate research was focused on evaluating lipopolysaccharide-induced behavioral and immune response differences in several sheep breeds that are bred for parasite resistance.

During her graduate career, Bentley was recognized for her academic achievements, research accomplishments, and outreach efforts. She was honored with the WVU Ruby Doctoral Fellowship as well as the American Sheep Industry Association “Sheep Heritage Memorial” Scholarship. Additionally, she won the 2022 Davis College Student Research & Creative Scholarship where she received 1st overall in her PhD oral presentation.

“I look forward to engaging with students and colleagues to advance our understanding of animal physiology,” Bentley says. “I am eager to train the next generation of graduate students, equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need to become leaders in the field, much like my mentors did for me.”

Furthermore, through research and education, she aims to collectively advance K-State ASI’s mission of improving animal agriculture and food systems, benefiting both the academic community and the broader agricultural sector.

Originally from Micro, North Carolina, Bentley will be on campus August 4.

“I am thrilled to join the K-State ASI faculty because of the department’s strong commitment to innovation and excellence in animal science. The collaborative environment here is unmatched, and I am eager to contribute to the ongoing research and educational efforts,” Bentley summarizes.