Kevin M. Downs, PhD

Professor
Middle Tennessee State University

Dr. Kevin Downs is a Professor in the School of Agriculture at Middle Tennessee State University. He received his BS and MS degrees in Animal Science from the University of Florida and his PhD in Poultry Science from Auburn University. Dr. Downs has been on faculty at MTSU since August 2000. His appointment at MTSU is principally teaching undergraduate courses in poultry science, animal nutrition, and animal physiology. Dr. Downs coordinates the MTSU Poultry Science program, which includes the minor in Poultry Science. He is advisor to the MTSU Poultry Science Club and coaches the MTSU collegiate poultry judging team. He teaches seven poultry science specific courses. Because of these efforts, MTSU is the only college or university in the state of Tennessee with a designated academic program in poultry science. Dr. Downs believes that students learn best by doing and follows that philosophy in his teaching. He pushes students to remain open-minded about their learning experiences and career goals. He believes that a university should be a place to develop critical thinking skills, while also preparing for a successful career. As such, he is highly engaged with student career placement in the poultry industry. In addition to his efforts on the academic side, Dr. Downs also maintains an active research program in poultry nutrition and engages many undergraduates with opportunities to gain research experience. Recent projects have focused on the use of kudzu as an alternative feed ingredient in broiler diets and the impacts of varying corn particle size in broiler feeding. During his time at MTSU, Dr. Downs has also worked with youth development poultry programs in Tennessee and also assists many individuals with backyard poultry flock development and management. In 2020, Dr. Downs received the College of Basic and Applied Sciences Teaching Excellence Award.