Travis Burke serves as an Assistant Dean and Program Leader for agriculture and agribusiness at University of Illinois Extension. Dr. Burke works with Extension specialists, educators, and field coordinators to provide leadership in the development and delivery of researched-based training programs and community engagement with agricultural communities across Illinois. Burke is an advocate and champion for both rural and urban food and agribusiness needs.

Dr. Burke leads a team of Extension professionals with expertise in commercial agriculture, agribusiness, livestock management, agronomy, food and agriculture entrepreneurship, specialty crop production, horticulture, plant diagnostics, pesticide safety, local food systems, and soil and water, among other critical areas. Burke also leads staff in coordinating core Extension programs including Illinois Master Gardeners, farmdoc, AgrAbility, Certified Livestock Manager Program, Pesticide Safety Education Program, and the Plant Clinic. Each year, Illinois residents use these programs to find critical resources and consult with Extension experts.

Prior to joining Illinois Extension, Burke served as Associate Director for North Carolina State University Extension as well as an Extension agent and county director in North Carolina.