Blanton to join College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences' leadership team

John Blanton Jr. has been named the director of South Dakota State University's Agricultural Experiment Station and the associate dean for research for the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences.

"I am thrilled to be selected to join South Dakota State University," Blanton said. "One of the key aspects that drew me to this position is South Dakota State University's focus on improving the lives and livelihood of the state producers."

Previously, Blanton served as a professor and department head in Purdue University's Department of Animal Science. Prior to Purdue, Blanton was the interim associate director of Mississippi's Forestry and Wildlife Research Center, as well as director for the state's Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station.

"I am very excited to have Dr. Blanton joining our team," said Joseph Cassady, South Dakota Corn Endowed Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at SDSU. "He brings a wealth of experience in administration, research, education and entrepreneurship. Dr. Blanton’s leadership will better enable the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences to serve our land-grant mission."

Blanton holds bachelor's and master's degrees in animal science and population genetics from New Mexico State University, and a doctorate in muscle biology from Purdue.

In addition to holding leadership positions in higher education for the past 15 years, Blanton has continued conducting research, primarily on animal growth and development. Over the course of his career, he has led research programs in eight different countries, received nearly $26 million in external funding, published 50 refereed journal articles and 75 abstracts and obtained two patents.

"The college's dedication to agricultural research, innovation and outreach aligns perfectly with my passion for making meaningful agricultural impacts," Blanton added.

Blanton also brings a wealth of industry experience to SDSU, having worked for the Delaware companies KVS Service and Intervet Inc. (now Schering-Plough). He is also the co-founder of the Center for Excellence in Cryobiology.

He will assume his duties at SDSU on Oct. 22, replacing interim director Russ Daly.