Get To Know Our Leadership Team
Michigan State University Extension Administration
Behind every one of our programs, educators, and partnerships is a dedicated, core administrative team that guides MSU Extension’s strategy, operations, and statewide coordination. This group provides leadership to ensure our work stays aligned with MSU’s mission and responsive to Michigan’s communities.
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Quentin TylerDirector
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Deanna EastAssociate Director
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Matt ShaneAssociate Director
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MSU Extension Director’s Office: 446 W. Circle Drive, Room 409 Agriculture Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824-3704
Phone: 517-355-2308
MSU Extension District Directors
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Jennifer Berkey
District 3 Director
berkeyj@msu.edu
231-922-4821
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Mary Bohling
District 12 Director
bohling@msu.edu
517-788-4292
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Karly Creguer
District 10 Director
oberski9@msu.edu
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Erin Daines
District 2 Director
edaines@msu.edu
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Julia Darnton
District 4 Director
darntonj@msu.edu
810-922-6483
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Kristi Evans
District 11 North Director
evanskr1@msu.edu
586-469-5180
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Kai Gritter
District 7 Director
grittern@msu.edu
616-994-4703
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William Hendrian
District 8 Director
hendria2@msu.edu
616-527-5358
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Eric Karbowski
District 6 Director
karbows8@msu.edu
989-317-4079
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James Kelly
District 5 Director
kellyj56@msu.edu
231-724-6361
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Adam Koivisto
District 14 Director
koivist4@msu.edu
231-237-4775
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Paul Putnam
District 1 Director
putnampa@msu.edu
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Mark Rankin
District 9 Director
rankinm1@msu.edu
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Richard Wooten
District 11 Director, Wayne County
wooten@msu.edu
734-727-7435
Institute Leadership
MSU Extension is built to meet people where they are — geographically, culturally, and across the full spectrum of Michigan’s needs. To do that well, we organize our statewide work into four program areas called institutes. These institutes reflect the major ways we support Michigan families, businesses, communities, and youth every day:
Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute
Partnering with farmers, processors, and ag-based businesses to solve problems, improve operations, and apply the latest research in fields, barns, and greenhouses across Michigan.
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Ron Bates
Agriculture & Agribusiness Institute Director
batesr@msu.edu
517-432-7693
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Becky Heim
Executive Assistant of Agriculture and Agribusiness Institute
meadrebe@msu.edu
517-432-7641
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Jeannine Schweihofer, PhD
Agriculture & Agribusiness Institute Associate Director
grobbelj@msu.edu
Children and Youth Institute/4-H
Helping young people find their spark through 4-H and youth development programs—from leadership and civic engagement to science, arts, and agriculture.
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Nicholas Adkins
Office Supervisor - Children and Youth Programs
adkinsn1@msu.edu
517-432-7619
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Lisa Bottomley
Children & Youth Institute Co-Director
lbottoml@msu.edu
517-432-7622
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Jodi Schulz
Children & Youth Institute Co-Director
schulzj@msu.edu
Community, Food and Environment
Institute Strengthening communities by supporting local food systems, land use planning, environmental stewardship, and community development.
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Alyx Blauwkamp
Admin Support for Community, Food & Environment
blauwka8@msu.edu
517-355-4631
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Josh Gunn
Associate Director for Community, Food & Environment Institute
gunnjosh@msu.edu
517-355-2361
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Dave Ivan
Community, Food & Environment Institute Director
ivand@msu.edu
517-432-7602
Health and Nutrition Institute
Helping people lead healthier lives through nutrition education, chronic disease management, mindfulness, community health programs, and more.
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Cheryl Eschbach
Health & Nutrition Institute Director
cheryl@msu.edu
517-353-1898
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Erin Moore
Health & Nutrition Institute Associate Director
mooree16@msu.edu
616-632-7887
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Anne Walacavage
Executive Secretary II - Health & Nutrition
walacav3@msu.edu
Our Local Presence Across Michigan
We’re also organized into 14 multi-county districts (view the district map here), each led by a district director who helps connect local communities to MSU’s statewide network of educators, programs, and resources. This innovative district model ensures that every Michigan county has direct access to the services and support they need.


