Dr. Guy Kiracofe, Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences and Industry professor emeritus, was awarded the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Distinguished Alumni Animal and Poultry Sciences Award in 2020.  

Born in Mt. Solon, Va., Kiracofe received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 1958 and 1960. He received his doctorate from K-State in reproductive physiology in 1965. After obtaining his doctorate, he did a postdoctoral fellowship in neuroendocrinology at the University of Kentucky Medical School.  

Kiracofe returned to K-State in 1966 to join the ASI faculty. From 1966 to 1991, he was awarded the university’s top awards in undergraduate teaching, student advising and club advising. Kiracofe has published more than 60 scientific research papers and served as a major professor for 12 doctorate and 20 master’s degrees.  

His research was among the first reported of using a progestogen in combination with prostaglandin for synchronization of estrus in cattle. Kiracofe’s research helped demonstrate several physiological interrelationships that contribute to the success and failure of estrous synchronization in cattle.

Among his publications, the article on uterine involution after parturition and its role in regulating the post-partum interval to ovulation in farm animals was one of the most highly referenced articles in animal reproduction. He received research grants from both federal competitive grants and commercial grants that amounted to more than $500,000.   

From 1991 to 2001, he served as University of Kentucky animal science department head. While in that role he oversaw the building of new facilities for sheep, swine and beef research. After retiring from the University of Kentucky, he returned to K-State and worked part-time as an adviser for students, clubs and student recruitment for the ASI department.   

Part of Kiracofe’s K-State legacy is the “Kiracofe Lecture Series” that was established in 1991. This series has allowed for 25 of the most outstanding reproductive physiologists in the country to visit the K-State ASI department for three days and interact with students and faculty, present a class lecture, seminar and present the Kiracofe Lecture.  

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