A recent brainstorming session was held with about 20 faculty in attendance to discuss the needs in program enhancement and possible ways to increase capacity. With recognition that several largely independent programs within KSRE and across the K-State campus are actively engaged in providing support to community and economic development, it is believed that greater coordination and teamwork is sorely needed for K-State to become that recognized resource for community and economic development. Some examples of strong local programs and engagement include the leadership development programs at the county or community level, community and county planning efforts like those underway in Wallace, Greeley, and Hodgeman Counties, and PRIDE program activities in numerous Kansas communities. Additionally, it is recognized that we are engaged in numerous community, resource, and environmental economic development activities through the work of the Office of Local Government. We are also engaged in partnerships with various state agencies, most notably Commerce, in efforts to move forward on economic indicators, entrepreneurship, and agri-tourism. We are also aware of the interest of numerous faculty and programs across the campus who are engaged in various aspects of community capacity building. It is the interest of this brainstorming group to further the development of a process to bring about recognition and ease of access by target audiences for these on-going projects and programs.

Coming out of that meeting I am asking the LEADS, Leadership Excellence And Dynamic Solutions , team to reinvigorate its programmatic efforts in providing successful, focused training for capacity building of extension professionals in community leadership development initiatives.

I will also be forming a task force to identify the process towards accomplishing the long term intended outcomes of Healthy, Sustainable Communities as part of our overall 5 year plan. This task force will be asked to bring forth recommendations to assure a coordinated, productive, and engaged community development program that will bring together the strengths of K-State Research & Extension with the broader campus and external partners to serve the interests and needs for improving the quality of life and standard of living for people who are a part of the Kansas communities.

If you have questions or comments, please feel free to contact me. --Daryl Buchholz dbuchhol@oznet.ksu.edu

DALE FJELL ACCEPTS NE AREA EXTENSION DIRECTOR POST
Dr. Dale Fjell has verbally accepted the Northeast Area Extension Director position and will begin his duties officially on June 6, 2005. 

STATUS OF FACULTY POSITIONS
To check the status of faculty positions that are currently in the search process, see the K-State Research and Extension Job Opportunities website at http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/main/jobs.asp . Click on "Employment Status of KSRE Faculty Positions." Search committee chairs - contact Dorothy Ireland in the Extension Operations Office at direland@oznet.ksu.edu , or 785-532-5787, to keep the information updated. --Stacey M. Warner swarner@oznet.ksu.edu

VIEW THE MASTER SCHEDULE OR ADD NEW ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS.