AUBURN, Ala. (EETV) - Auburn University professor and noted poultry nutritionist Dr. William A. “Bill” Dozier assumed the role of head of Auburn’s Department of Poultry Science on Sept.1.
Dozier will also serve as executive director Charles C. Miller Jr. Poultry Research and Education Center, a 30-acre facility scheduled to be completed in 2020.
Dozier was selected after a national search, College of Agriculture Dean Paul Patterson said. The search followed former department head Don Conner's retirement in April after 30 years as an Auburn faculty member.
“I believe Dr. Dozier’s extensive experience as a professor and as a research and extension scientist positions him exceptionally well for his new position,” Patterson said.
Auburn professor emeritus of poultry science Sarge Bilgili served as interim department head during the search for a permanent head.
“Dr. Bilgili has been a valuable member of our leadership team over these past months, graciously coming out of retirement to serve as interim head of the Department of Poultry Science,” Patterson said. “In addition to congratulating Dr. Dozier, I want to thank Dr. Bilgili for his dedicated service these past few months.”
The new head of department is an Opelika, Alabama, native and Auburn College of Agriculture alumnus. He returned to the university as a faculty member in 2008 and said it is an exciting time to lead Auburn’s poultry science and food science programs.
“I am excited to embrace the opportunities to impact research, teaching and extension programs in poultry and food industries in Alabama and around the globe,” he said. “The world-class Miller Center complex will enable Auburn to build a premier poultry science program from production to consumption. We also intend to raise the visibility of our food science program.”
Dozier's groundbreaking research of dietary amino acid requirements for broiler chickens has earned international recognition. His data is used by corporate poultry nutritionists in the U.S. and abroad.
After receiving his bachelor's degree and doctorate from Auburn, Dozier spent four years as an extension poultry scientist and assistant professor at the University of Georgia. Before returning to Auburn, he was a research animal scientist with the USDA Poultry Research Unit in Starkville, Mississippi. Dozier has been awarded $3.5 million in research funding throughout his career.
