College of Agriculture & Natural Resources

Dr. Quentin R. Tyler has served as the Director of Michigan State University Extension and Senior Associate Dean for Outreach and Engagement since May 2021. In this highly visible leadership role, Dr. Tyler is responsible for the strategic direction, operational management, and overall impact of MSU Extension across the state of Michigan. He also serves as a key leader within the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR), fostering and supporting outreach and engagement initiatives that align with and advance the University’s land-grant mission. To this dual role, Dr. Tyler brings his visionary leadership with exceptional administrative, communication, and interpersonal skills, a deep understanding of the land-grant university system, and a commitment to community engagement and impactful research dissemination.

As Director of MSU Extension, Dr. Tyler provides leadership and oversight for all Extension programs and personnel—comprising over 700 faculty and staff—and manages a budget exceeding $106 million. He ensures the delivery of high-quality, research-based education and outreach that addresses the evolving needs of Michigan's diverse communities, industries, and individuals. As Senior Associate Dean for Outreach and Engagement, Dr. Tyler works collaboratively with colleges across MSU, Michigan’s Tribal Colleges and Universities, faculty, and staff to develop and implement strategies that enhance Michigan’s outreach and engagement portfolio, promote interdisciplinary partnerships, and strengthen connections with external stakeholders.

Previously, Dr. Tyler served as Acting Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Administration at MSU, and as Associate Dean and Director for what is now the Office of Culture, Access and Belonging in CANR. As Acting Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Administration, Dr. Tyler played a crucial role in overseeing faculty-related matters and administrative functions such as faculty development and human resources oversight. As Associate Dean and Director of the Office of Culture, Access and Belonging, he provided leadership creating a collaborative and welcoming organization, ensuring access and opportunity through all areas of the CANR. He effectively focused on creating partnerships and opportunities for faculty, staff, and student success within CANR, AgBioResearch and MSU Extension; and networked with partners across MSU, the state of Michigan, and across the country to support Michigan State University’s commitment to the land-grant mission.  His contributions and collegial spirit are highly valued by administrators, faculty, staff, and students.

Prior to joining MSU, Dr. Tyler spent over 13 years serving previously in the role of Assistant Dean at the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. At the University of Kentucky, he received a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Economics, a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics and a Doctorate in Sociology, with an emphasis on Rural Sociology. Additionally, he has received a Professional Certificate from Cornell’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Notably, Dr. Tyler was the 2015-2016 National Professional President of MANRRS (Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences) and served as the National MANRRS Advisory Board Chair from 2017-2023. In 2022, he was awarded the MANRRS Legend Award for his commitment and leadership to MANRRS. Additionally, Dr. Tyler became a graduate of the Institute for Management and Leadership in Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education in June 2022.

Over the last decade, he has a plethora of recognitions for his work with students and in diversity and inclusion, including the National MANRRS Advisor of the Year, a Tri State Diversity Champion, FFA Michigan State Honorary Degree Recipient, University of Kentucky Inclusive Excellence Awardee, Michigan State University Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awardee, and as a Game Changer by Workforce Magazine in workforce management. He is a life member of the University of Kentucky Alumni Association and the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment Alumni Association where he has served as President for two consecutive terms. He has led the University of Kentucky Alumni Association’s efforts in engagement and recently by serving on the Executive Committee as the Nomination Committee Chair for consecutive years. Additionally, Dr. Tyler was acknowledged and awarded the Distinguished Alumni Service Award by the UK Alumni Association and voted into the University of Kentucky College of Arts and Sciences Hall of Fame.