Quentin R. Tyler has been named Michigan State University’s associate dean for diversity, equity and inclusion in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, or CANR. He will begin his post in March 2018.
Tyler currently serves as assistant dean and director of diversity at the University of Kentucky’s College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. 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.
“Diversity, equity and inclusion are focal areas for the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources,” said Ron Hendrick, CANR dean. “Quentin brings a lot of skills and experience to an area where we have need and there is opportunity. We will benefit from his leadership and I am looking forward to having him join the leadership team.”
In addition to his role as assistant dean at the University of Kentucky, 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.
Tyler said he sees many opportunities at MSU to make an impact.
“I see opportunities to increase diversity at all levels of the college,” Tyler said. “To create learning and development opportunities to ensure equity and inclusion and to work with outstanding leaders to create a college that thrives on collaborations, encouragement, empowerment and creating a sense of belonging for all. In particular, I think there is an opportunity for growth in increasing faculty diversity while also ensuring their success.”
Tyler has experience as a State Youth Coordinator for the University of Kentucky, and an extension associate for Diversity Recruitment and Retention at UK. He also served as an economist for the United States Department of Agriculture.
“My hope is that we are a leading college in diversity, equity and inclusion not only at Michigan State, but across the country,” Tyler said. “And, that we are viewed by stakeholders, current and prospective students, faculty and staff as a college that has a true commitment to inclusive excellence.”