July 14, 2015
Milestones and Future for Extension
Yesterday I was part of a panel to discuss future challenges that must be addressed for a strong and vibrant teaching, research, and extension system within our Land-Grant University system. The framework of my presentation came from a recent commentary within the Journal of Extension entitled, “Milestones and the Future for Cooperative Extension," for which I am a co-author. The panel was a part of the North Central Region Mini Land-Grant Meeting in Rapid City, SD, attended by deans and directors of the NC Region Colleges of Agriculture, academic, research and extension programs. Also attending were citizen leaders referred to as Colleges of Agriculture, research, extension, and teaching (CARET) representatives.
This part of the presentation focuses on three areas of continuous development that must occur for Extension to successful carry forth its mission.
A guiding principle throughout the paper and in my comments is around building upon the importance of exploiting our interdependence to its fullest. The first principle rests on our being research-based. For Extension, our strength in educational programming comes through our being connected and deeply rooted within research and discovery. Being research-based isn’t just a phrase. Research-based is being committed to scientific inquiry, research methods, and discoveries that drive the content of our educational programming and information sources.
A second guiding principle is building local connections and relationships. This principle once again builds upon creating interdependence with community leaders. Together we work to create opportunities, to have positive influence, to reach appropriate audiences, and to be trusted, relevant and valued within community networks.
A third guiding principle is in seeking and exploiting innovations and technologies to advance experiential, transformational learning by our targeted audiences. Building connections and relationships with teaching faculty and technology experts will remain vital in exploring digital innovations that provide new and exciting ways to encourage discovery, learning, and innovations in teaching and learning for the future.
In the weeks to come, I’ll explore further some of the challenges we face and must address if Extension is to continue to be the unique outreach and engaged dimension of the public Land-Grant university system with local presence across this nation. Have a great week!