UK terminates former equine testing lab director after ethics violations

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – The University of Kentucky has terminated Scott Stanley, a tenured faculty member and former director of the Equine Analytical Chemistry Lab (EACL), citing serious ethical breaches and policy violations, according to a release from the university.

The decision, finalized by the UK Board of Trustees in a special session Thursday, follows a year-long process that began in September 2024 after an Internal Audit report alleged misconduct and mismanagement. Stanley waived his right to a hearing before the board, which voted to revoke his tenure and dismiss him from university employment.

According to the release, audit findings confirmed Stanley reported a drug test commissioned by the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit (HIWU) that was never performed, and other test results may have been compromised. Investigators said Stanley exploited vulnerabilities in technology and oversight, failed to disclose outside business relationships, and violated conflict-of-interest rules.

He was charged with misrepresentation, falsification of results, fraudulent billing, lack of internal controls and oversight, and improper hiring practices.

The university said the investigation began in February 2024 after the Horseracing Integrity & Welfare Unit and Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority raised concerns about lab management and customer service. Stanley was removed from his role as lab director in March 2024, and UK later announced it would seek to terminate his tenure. The EACL has since been acquired by Eagle Diagnostics.

“Any violations of these policies are taken seriously and addressed to maintain the integrity of this work – the work of thousands of people across this institution,” said UK Board Chair Britt Brockman in the release.