URBANA, Ill. — Leading and guiding University of Illinois Extension’s growing team of agricultural experts is no small feat. Last year, the team developed and delivered programs that drew over 95,000 people, both virtually and in person, across the state. From livestock and row crops to horticulture and farmer mental health, a team spanning such a wide range can only sustain that growth without visionary leadership.
Travis Burke, assistant dean, Agriculture and Agribusiness program leader, joined Illinois Extension, part of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, in 2021. Burke has always advocated for and championed the food and agribusiness needs of both rural and urban communities. First in his roles within North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service and North Carolina 4-H, to today’s work with Illinois Extension.
Recently, North Carolina 4-H called him back to honor his work and dedication to agriculture and their program by inducting Burke into its 2026 4-H Hall of Fame class. Illinois Extension Associate Dean and Director Matthew Vann, also a former North Carolina Cooperative Extension colleague of Burke, presented the alumni plaque from Mumford Hall in Urbana.
“It’s a great honor to be inducted into the North Carolina 4-H Hall of Fame,” said Burke. “Growing up on a farm in rural North Carolina is where my passion for agriculture began.”
As the two reminisced through their professional journeys so far, Vann described Burke as a passionate educator, mentor, and advocate for the NC Cooperative Extension Service and NC 4-H.
Shannon McCollum, interim State 4-H program leader with NC State Extension, said Burke’s influence can be seen through his mentorship, coaching, and his ability to see the potential in every young person while helping them discover it for themselves.
Burke’s mentorship is highlighted in coaching dozens of state champion livestock judging teams, spearheading statewide initiatives, and helping found national programs, including the National 4-H Hall of Fame.
“Dr. Burke’s enduring legacy is reflected in the many former 4-H members he inspired to become Extension professionals and community leaders,” said Vann.
Supporting Illinois Agriculture
Today, Burke continues to grow the Illinois Extension agricultural program by expanding and strengthening programs that impact today’s farmers and tomorrow’s farms.
Over 20 new staff members joined his team across commercial agriculture, local food systems and small farms, and horticulture since 2021. These individuals provide real-time opportunities for farmers, producers, and growers to meet with and learn from their local Extension experts.
New programs include increased support for farmer mental health resources and voucher programs, farm estate-planning content and staff contacts, and building sustainable farm legacy events in partnership with the Illinois Farm Bureau.
Burke is proud of his program team’s strong attendance and participation at both the 56th annual Illinois Agriculture Legislative Day and the inaugural Extension Day events at the State Capitol in Springfield this past March.
“The farming and agriculture industry is facing a lot of challenges for the 2026 season and beyond,” Burke said. “We want Extension to be the trusted source that our Illinois farmers, stakeholders, colleagues, industry partners, and neighbors call upon to help, guide, understand, and work with them to ease decision-making during these times.”
To learn more about the work and impact of Illinois Extension’s agriculture and agribusiness teams, find staff by office location using the statewide Extension office map or visit go.illinois.edu/ExtensionOffice.
Photo Caption: (Left to Right): Matthew Vann, University of Illinois Extension associate dean and director, presents Travis Burke, Illinois Extension assistant dean, agriculture and agribusiness program leader, with a 2026 North Carolina 4-H Hall of Fame inductee plaque. Photo by University of Illinois Extension.
Photo available for media download with credit to University of Illinois Extension.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.