November 4, 2025
Interim Associate Director for Extension Programs: 4.5 Days In and What’s To Come
Greetings, extension family!
As of this writing, I am 4.5 days into my new role as the interim Associate Director for Extension Programs. It has already proven to keep me on my toes, which has included guessing about the day’s temperature in Umberger Hall, learning, and being excited for the opportunity to make a difference for K-State Extension.
As someone who was born and raised in land-grant universities and has called K-State home for a decade, I'm energized to work alongside all of you over the next several months. My guiding principles for this interim role focus on pursuing achievable, high-impact initiatives that accelerate innovation, capitalizing on my data-driven and systemic approach to leadership, and growing Extension through multidisciplinary team building.
Specifically, I’m committed to improving efficiencies in our reporting processes and enhancing our impact storytelling so we can confidently and clearly showcase the remarkable work happening across our state.
I’m excited about identifying our “peanut M&Ms” – those sweet spots where we can innovate and make extension relentlessly relevant to the individuals, families and communities we serve.
Finally, I’m committed to piloting innovation sandboxes, where we can create and test new ideas in safe, supportive environments.
Most importantly, my door is always open to all of you. Whether you are an agent, specialist, program coordinator, office professional, administrator or volunteer, your insights on extension programming matter. I’m here to listen to your ideas, understand your challenges, work hand-in-hand with you to identify creative solutions, and help facilitate the great work that makes extension so special.
I invite you to reach out to me at any time by email (erinmartinez@ksu.edu), phone (785-532-3078), Teams chat, text (email to request the number!), or stop by my office any time you’re on campus (130 Umberger Hall).
So, let’s get to it! 4.5 days down, and many opportunities ahead. I look forward to what we’ll create together.