John Blanton Jr.

John Blanton Jr. has a strong background in academia and research. John served as a Professor and Department Head at Mississippi State University from 2013 to 2021, while also holding the position of Interim - Associate Director of Mississippi State Ag Experiment Stations from 2019 to 2021. Prior to that, they worked as an Associate Professor at Texas Tech University from 1998 to 2006. Blanton also gained industry experience as a Research Programs Manager at Noble Research Institute from 2008 to 2012. In addition, they worked as a Pharmaceutical professional at Intervet from 2006 to 2007. Blanton's most recent role is as an Associate Dean for Research and Director of the South Dakota Experiment Station at South Dakota State University, starting in 2023.

John Blanton Jr. completed their education with a Bachelor's degree in Animal Sciences from New Mexico State University in 1993. John then pursued a Master's degree in Animal Genetics from the same institution, graduating in 1995. Following this, John went on to obtain a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Animal Sciences with a specialization in Muscle Growth and Development from Purdue University, completing their studies in 1998.