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Bonnie Johnson
February 05, 2026
Media ArticleUniversity of Kentucky has appointed Steven Price as chair of the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources at the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. The appointment, announced by the Office of the Provost, begins February 1 and runs through January 31, 2032, pending final approval from the UK Board of Trustees on April 24.
Kentucky’s forests play a vital role in the state’s economy, with woodlands in all 120 counties and forest industries operating in 110 counties. Together, these forests contribute nearly $20 billion each year to the Commonwealth. Price’s leadership is expected to further strengthen the university’s role in supporting forestry, wildlife, and sustainable natural resource management across the state.
“I am excited about leading a team dedicated to advancing forestry, wildlife and sustainable natural resource management in Kentucky,” Price said. “Our foundation is strong, with excellent staff, innovative faculty and outstanding students who value our hands-on instructional and research opportunities.”
Price joined the Forestry and Natural Resources Department in 2012 as a teaching and research faculty member. From 2017 to 2023, he served as director of graduate studies, where he helped develop a new doctoral program. Since February 2025, he has served as acting department chair. He is currently a professor of stream and riparian ecology.
His research focuses on the conservation and management of nongame wildlife and freshwater systems. This work addresses important issues in forestry, land management, and restoration science, especially in Kentucky and the Central Appalachian region. A major goal of his research program is mentoring and training students for future careers.
During his time at the university, Price and his students have published 78 peer-reviewed research articles and secured about $7 million in research funding from federal, state, and nonprofit sources. His teaching includes undergraduate and graduate courses such as Herpetology and Research Methods in Forestry. While he does not hold a formal Extension role, his lab group actively supports outreach and Extension-style activities statewide.
“Our efforts will focus on increasing research and Extension impact, expanding instructional programs and investing in the department and its facilities, with an emphasis on providing FNR students with the opportunities and instruction needed to prepare them for careers in forest and natural resource management,” Price said.
Photo by: news.mgcafe.uky.edu
