Dr. J. Ernest (Ernie) Minton serves as Dean of the College of Agriculture and Director of Research and Extension at Kansas State University. He previously served as Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs and Associate Director of the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station for 10 years. Prior to his college administrative positions, Dr. Minton served in administrative roles in the Department of Animal Sciences and Industry where he was a faculty member for 25 years. In total, he has 28 years of administrative experience serving animal agriculture. As Dean, Dr. Minton serves as chief administrative officer and strategic leader for the largest College at Kansas State University. He is responsible for an annual budget of $175 million and oversees supervision of 2,153 total employees including 280 faculty in 10 departments. During his tenure, research funding in the college has more than doubled accounting for over 53% of all research expenditures at the University.