Emalee Buttrey

Dr. Emalee Buttrey joined NCEL in October 2024 as a training specialist, primarily serving the Certified Public Manager and Tennessee Agriculture and Forestry Leadership programs. She brings more than 20 years of experience in teaching, research and leadership development to the team and is passionate about helping others reach their full potential. 

Most recently, Emalee was the instructional designer in the Office of Regional Centers and Online Programs at UT Martin. Her other previous roles include animal science faculty member at UT Martin and Louisiana Tech University, Director of Education at Discovery Park of America, and research and extension associate for Texas A&M AgriLife in Amarillo. 

Emalee earned her bachelor's degree in agriculture with an emphasis in animal science from the University of Tennessee at Martin; her master's degree in animal science, specializing in ruminant nutrition, from Texas A&M University in College Station; and her doctoral degree in systems agriculture, specializing in ruminant nutrition and beef cattle management, from West Texas A&M University in Canyon. 

Outside of her professional life, Emalee loves to travel, read and spend time outdoors with her family. She is married to her best friend, Brad. Both are natives of Humphreys County, Tennessee, but now call Weakley County home. They have two children, Rachel and Grady. Together, they own and operate BERG Livestock, a regenerative pasture-based livestock operation. In addition to the farm, the family stays busy with church events, youth rodeos and fishing.