Dr. Barnhart’s own early research in swine nutrition resulted in several patents, and as an internationally recognized authority on nutrition, he authored or co-authored more than 100 publications.
1923-2007 | Artist: Jack K. Hodgkin (born 1936)
Impact & Accomplishments
Born in Windsor, Illinois, Charles Barnhart completed undergraduate studies at Purdue University and then received a Ph.D. from Iowa State University in 1954.
He accepted a position at the University of Kentucky in 1948. In four decades of service to that institution, Dr. Barnhart served as director of the Agricultural Experiment Station, beginning in 1966, and dean of the College of Agriculture, from 1969 until his retirement in 1988. During his tenure, research projects, published research, and university facilities increased dramatically. Barnhart’s own early research in swine nutrition resulted in several patents, and as an internationally recognized authority on nutrition, he authored or co-authored more than 100 publications.
In the late 1950s, he conducted pioneering research on virginiamycin, an antibiotic widely used in animal and poultry production. Dr. Barnhart played a significant role in the establishment of the North American International Livestock Exposition and helped bring the Saddle & Sirloin gallery to Louisville.
Did You Know?
The Charles E. Barnhart Fund for Excellence was created to honor Dr. Barnhart, dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment from 1969-1988. The Barnhart Fund supports activities that enhance excellence in College of Agriculture, Food and Environment programs.
At the ceremony marking the naming of the Barnhart building in 2001, University of Kentucky President Charles T. Wethington, Jr., said in prepared remarks that "to recognize Dr. Barnhart in this way is most appropriate, because he helped set the gold standard for agricultural research and service to Kentucky farmers. In his own words, he often emphasized that 'the College of Agriculture belongs to the farmers and the people of this state and is operated for them and their benefit.'"
University of Kentucky