Quentin R. Tyler, assistant dean and director of diversity at the University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, will be leaving his post in March. He has been named Michigan State University’s associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, or CANR.

While at UK, he has provided leadership in strengthening workplace diversity, recruiting and retaining a diverse student body, building cultural competency, as well as monitoring assessment and reporting activities. He was the college’s first full-time diversity assistant dean and director.

In addition to his role as assistant dean, Tyler is principal investigator of the Governor’s Minority College Preparation Program. This program works to increase awareness among students about the benefits of attending college.

He is board chair for the National Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences, or MANRRS. He serves as a liaison between the National MANRRS Executive Committee and the National MANRRS Advisory Board, and has served in several other roles with National MANRRS, including president. He helped to build UK’s program into the best in the nation, a title it has garnered for five consecutive years.

“This was not an easy decision. I am a three-time alumnus of this college and university, and this will always be considered my home,” Tyler said. “I am a native of Kentucky and have been at the university for over 19 years. I have built a lot of relationships with people that I consider family and friends. Dean Nancy Cox has been very supportive of me throughout my tenure at UK, and I was very fortunate to have her as my dean and mentor.

“It came down to new challenges, the opportunity to be a key part of their senior leadership team, and make a difference in helping advance diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts at the College of Agriculture, and Natural Resources at Michigan State.”

The college will begin looking for someone to fill the role soon to ensure that it continues to make strides in its commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

“As much as we will miss Quentin, we are so happy that his distinguished record of creative service and achievement has been recognized in this way,” said Nancy Cox, dean of the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. “We are proud that he is an alumnus and hope we can get him back at UK one day. I speak for many who treasure Quentin’s friendship and his legacy. He has moved the needle on diversity not only in our college but nationally, and we wish him the very best in his new position.”