Appointment of Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences

JONESBORO – Dr. Jennifer Bouldin, dean of the College of Sciences and Mathematics, announced Dr. Tanja McKay as chair of the Department of Biological Sciences. Dr. McKay has served as interim chair since June 2023.

“Dr. McKay has earned the respect of her colleagues in the Department of Biological Sciences and has proven herself to be an effective and capable leader,” Bouldin said.

“Her ability to work collaboratively with faculty and staff has been instrumental in maintaining a positive and productive work environment. As interim chair, she has demonstrated a commitment to fairness and respect, while consistently upholding the highest standards of professionalism and excellence.”

After joining A-State as a faculty member in 2004, McKay became an associate professor in 2009 and was later promoted to full professor of entomology in 2015. Her previous administrative experience at A-State includes serving as associate department chair and director of graduate programs in environmental sciences and molecular biosciences.

In addition to teaching and mentoring at the undergraduate and graduate levels, she has devoted much of her 19-year academic career to research. She has received more than $9 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the National Science Foundation and other sources.

McKay's research interests include integrated pest management of stored product insects, both on farms and in rice mills; integrated mosquito management related to interactions between canine heartworm and dung beetles and their importance on cattle pastures; and fly control using biological control methods in poultry and dairy operations.

“We have a wonderfully talented faculty, staff and student body in the Department of Biological Sciences, and I appreciate all of them for entrusting me to lead the department,” McKay said.

She added, “This role offers an exciting opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across departments and contribute to the growth and success of our academic community at Arkansas State University. I look forward to pursuing new efforts to enhance the department's research, teaching, service and overall impact on the community and the state.”

The Department of Biological Sciences has more than 500 students enrolled in eight degree programs, including those offered at A-State's Querétaro Campus in Mexico.

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