September 9, 2025
Refilling Positions with Extension Appointments
As I was walking across the quad on K-State’s Manhattan campus the other day, I met up with and was talking to a colleague.
He indicated that there was a question and some confusion in his department about how open positions or new positions with Extension appointments (the portion of a position funded by Extension) would be handled in the transition to Elevating Extension. While we discussed this at Extension Updates and other opportunities, I thought this would be a great opportunity to write about it in the Tuesday Letter.
The only changes in the process for refilling local unit agent positions is in the ultimate authority over agent positions. Previously, agent positions were under the authority of the dean of the College of Agriculture. Now, it will be Executive Vice President of External Engagement, Marshall Stewart.
As before, local unit directors will work with their board, regional director, and the Extension Operations team whenever filling agent positions.
Similar to local units, the only change in extension-supported Kansas Farm Management Association positions will be the ultimate authority over those positions. Previously, that was the authority of the dean of the College of Agriculture. Now, it will also be Marshall Stewart. Otherwise, KFMA will follow their normal process for refilling positions within their association.
For extension-supported Kansas Forest Service positions, State Forester Jason Hartman will submit requests to me, and I will forward those requests and my recommendations to Marshall Stewart.
For regional, campus, and state positions, all open extension appointments will return to K-State Extension administration for refilling consideration.
Some of the positions -- especially support positions and those directly associated with ongoing grants -- will be returned to the department, center or unit for immediate refilling.
The extension appointments of other positions will be made available via the already-established proposal and approval process. Department and unit heads will develop their proposals and seek the support of their college dean or supervising university administrator. Once they have received the support of their college dean or university administrator, the proposals will then be forwarded for final approvals by me and Marshall Stewart.