Night of Excellence 2026

Night of Excellence is an evening dedicated to recognizing and celebrating alumni and friends who have made a lasting and meaningful impact on our college, our industries, and our communities. 

This special event honors individuals whose leadership, service, and accomplishments embody the spirit of excellence that defines the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment.

Meet the 2026 Hall of Distinguished Alumni Honorees 

This award recognizes alumni whose careers reflect lasting influence, professional excellence and meaningful contributions to agriculture, their communities and society. 

Ray Allan Mackey (B.S. Agronomy, ’79) 
A calm, steady and visionary leader, Mr. Mackey has dedicated more than 25 years to advancing Kentucky’s grain industry through service to the Kentucky Corn Growers. His leadership has been recognized with major honors, including Kentucky Farm Bureau Farmer of the Year, the Southeastern Farmer of the Year Award and the UK Presidential Medallion.

Dr. Michael Dykes (B.S. Animal Science, ’76; M.S. Agricultural Economics, ’78) 
President and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association, Dr. Dykes has shaped national and international food policy for decades. From his early days as a dairy and tobacco farmer in Adair County to key roles in veterinary medicine, public policy and industry innovation, he has remained a visionary advocate for American agriculture and the people who sustain it. 

Cynthia Fanning (M.A. Clothing and Textile Science, ’92) 
Now Executive Vice President at GE Appliances, Ms. Fanning rose from an entry-level co-op to senior leadership in under 15 years—an extraordinary achievement fueled by intelligence, work ethic, empathy and a commitment to lifting others. Her career is a model of excellence, empathy and servant-minded leadership. 

Bland Baird (B.S. Career and Technical Education, ’76; M.Ed., ’78; Rank I, ’80) 
A beloved agriculture teacher and FFA advisor for more than 40 years, Mr. Baird is synonymous with agricultural education in Spencer County. He has coached 11 national dairy evaluation teams and more than 100 state-winning judging teams. His impact on generations of youth in 4-H and FFA is incalculable. 

Meet the 2026 Horizon Award Honoree 

The Horizon Award honors individuals for their early professional accomplishments. 

Dr. Antomia “Mia” Farrell (B.S. Agricultural Economics, ’11) 
Now Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Development at Michigan State University, Dr. Farrell began her career in 4-H Youth Development and quickly advanced into influential leadership roles within UK Cooperative Extension and Martin-Gatton CAFE. A national leader in MANRRS, she exemplifies visionary leadership and a deep commitment to excellence.

Meet the 2026 Paul Appel Service Award Honorees 

This award honors individuals who have provided extraordinary service to the Martin-Gatton CAFE Alumni Association. 

Joe Duncan (M.S. Agronomy, ’72) 
A longtime leader in the Mammoth Cave alumni region, Mr. Duncan has been recognized repeatedly for his teaching excellence and dedication to student success. His efforts helped establish a $10,000 endowment to support Mammoth Cave area students attending UK—an enduring legacy of service. 

Sue Whitaker (B.S. Vocational Home Economics Education, ’64) 
A former Alumni Association President and Vice President, Ms. Whitaker played a pivotal role in bringing together alumni from the Human Environmental Sciences and Agriculture communities. Her leadership strengthened unity, representation and shared purpose across the merged association. 

Meet the Oran & Myrtle Little Friend of Martin-Gatton CAFE Award Honoree 

This award is presented to a non-alumnus whose dedication and service have made an extraordinary impact on the college. 

Dr. Stuart Brown 
A steadfast advocate for the college and Kentucky’s equine sector, Dr. Brown has provided exemplary service through leadership roles with the AG Equine Advisory Committee, the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Advisory Committee, and the Gluck Equine Research Foundation Board—where he served as chair from 2017 to 2025. His support for faculty research, student mentorship, and legislative engagement continues to advance UK’s land-grant mission.   

The induction ceremony will be Feb. 20, 2026. See more information.