Jennifer Hunter was named Associate Dean for Extension and Director of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service in 2025. A native Kentuckian and proud UK alum, Dr. Hunter brings more than two decades of service to the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment and to communities across the Commonwealth.

She has served as a county agent, Extension specialist, professor and administrator—including roles as Director of the School of Human Environmental Sciences and Assistant Extension Director for Family and Consumer Sciences. Her work reflects a deep commitment to community-focused solutions, engaged scholarship and translational research. Dr. Hunter’s record includes leading more than 850 Extension educational programs, publishing over 160 scholarly works, and securing more than $75 million in external grants and contracts.

As the Associate Dean for Extension and Director of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, Dr. Hunter oversees a trusted statewide network that delivers the university’s research, resources and innovative solutions to every county in Kentucky. Extension’s grassroots programs strengthen farms, food systems and natural resources while improving health, well-being and economic outcomes for individuals, families and producers.