Karina Pierce appointed UCD dean of agriculture and head of school
University College Dublin (UCD) has announced the appointment of Prof. Karina Pierce as dean of agriculture and head of the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science.
Prof. Pierce, who is a professor of dairy production at UCD, succeeds Prof. Frank Monahan, who has served as dean of agriculture and head of school since 2021.
She will take up her new role from September 1, 2026.
The appointment marks a significant milestone as Prof. Pierce becomes the first woman to hold the position in the school's history.
The announcement also comes during an important year for the school, which is commemorating the centenary of the establishment of the Faculty of Agriculture at UCD.
UCD
Prof. Pierce graduated from UCD with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (BAgrSc) in 2001 and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Animal Nutrition in 2005.
She is internationally recognised for her research on sustainable dairy cow production systems spanning grassland management, dairy cow nutrition, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and farm profitability.
She has served as programme director of the BAgrSc Dairy Business programme.
Since 2021, Prof. Pierce has held the role of director of external relations within the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, leading strategic engagement with industry, government and alumni.
A former president of the Agricultural Science Association (ASA) from 2011 to 2012, Prof. Pierce was also awarded a Nuffield Ireland Scholarship in 2019.
She currently serves as a board member of Bord Bia and has previously served on the boards of Agri Aware, the Teagasc Authority, and Nuffield Ireland.
Prof. Pierce said she is "deeply honoured" to be appointed dean of agriculture and head of the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science.
"I would like to sincerely thank my colleagues for their support throughout this process and Prof. Frank Monahan for his outstanding leadership of the School over the past five years.
"As we celebrate 100 years of agricultural education at UCD, we have an exciting opportunity to build on our proud heritage while shaping the future of agriculture, food, forestry and horticulture.
"I look forward to working with colleagues, students, alumni, industry partners and policymakers to further enhance the School's reputation as a national and global leader in teaching, research, innovation and societal impact," she added.
Students
Prof. Frank Monahan, outgoing dean of agriculture and head of the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science, congratulated Prof. Pierce "on this historic appointment".
"Karina is internationally recognised for her outstanding contributions to teaching and research, particularly through her work at UCD Lyons Farm and the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science.
"She has also demonstrated exceptional leadership within UCD and across the agri-food sector, both nationally and internationally.
"I have no doubt that under her leadership, the school will continue to strengthen its reputation for excellence in education, research and innovation while deepening its engagement with industry and society," he said.
The UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science delivers 17 undergraduate and 16 graduate taught programmes and educatesapproximately 3,000 students.
