Released: February 22, 2008

Minton Named Interim Director of Research for K-State Research and Extension

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Ernie Minton has been named interim director of research and technology transfer for K-State Research and Extension. He will assume those duties Feb. 25.

Minton has been on the K-State faculty since 1983 and most recently has been a professor in K-State’s Department of Animal Sciences and Industry. In the ASI department, his duties have been split between research and teaching. He also has served as the graduate program director and research coordinator.

In his new role, he will oversee research programs under the K-State Research and Extension umbrella.

“We very much appreciate Dr. Minton’s willingness to take on this responsibility,” said Fred Cholick, dean of K-State’s College of Agriculture and director of K-State Research and Extension. “His research background makes him well qualified to lead our research teams.”

Minton earned a bachelor’s degree from Western Kentucky University and master’s and Ph.D. degrees from Oklahoma State University.

His research focus has been on mucosal immunology and stress physiology of swine. In addition, he has been involved in a collaboration looking at anti-inflammatory effects of dietary omega-3 fatty acids in horses.

Minton’s most recent teaching responsibilities have been at the graduate level. In 2004, he was recognized with the College of Agriculture’s Outstanding Graduate Teaching Award.

As interim director of research for K-State Research and Extension, he succeeds Forrest Chumley, who left the university Feb. 15 to take an industry position.

A national search will be conducted for a permanent director of research in the coming months.

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Mary Lou Peter-Blecha,
mlpeter@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News