Post on 14-May-2015
description
The LSU AgCenter’sCooperative Extension Service
ByDr. Rebecca WhiteLSU Ag Center
Once upon a time in America…
1862 - States awarded land to establish agriculture and mechanical colleges
1887 – Hatch Act – established Agriculture Research Stations for each state – tied to state land grant institution
LSU is Louisiana’s 1862 land grant institution
Once upon a time in America…
1918 – Smith-Lever Extension Act passed – tied to state land grant institution
1925-45 - Basic research done in land-grant colleges laid groundwork second agricultural revolution in US
1941 – Extension agents working in every county in US
Land Grant Universities and Extension
All universities engage in research and teaching
Uniquely, all 100 land grant universities in the US engage in teaching, research and extension
Extension means “reaching out” with the resources of the land grant university
Extension’s role
Extension “extends” the university resources to solve public needs through non-formal, non-credit programs
LSU Ag Center
Complex Multi-faceted State wide reach &
beyond One of 10 LSU
campuses
Brief LSU Ag Center History
Separated from the LSU College of Agriculture in 1972 and established as LSU Ag Center
Two-fold purpose Research Extension International Programs
The LSU Ag Center Partnership
Research and Extension faculty have to work hand-in-hand to improve the lives of Louisiana citizens
Role of Research
Create new knowledge
Role of Extension
Provide useful, research-based information to citizens
LA Cooperative Extension Service Mission
To help the people of Louisiana improve their lives through an educational process which uses research-based knowledge focused on issues and needs.
Extension Facts and Characteristics
Created by law Agency of
government Cooperation - federal,
state & local government
Values people more than things
Voluntary
Broad field of work Free to develop
educational programs based on needs
Variety of methods Works with all
family members Promotes
volunteerism
Extension Facts and Characteristics
No fixed curriculum
No degrees or diplomas awarded
Informal Homes, farms &
community sites are classrooms
Large audience
More practical than theoretical
Based on research Promotes problem
solving Promotes
knowledge gain and behavior change
How we serve Louisianians – Extension Roles
Statewide service State Specialists Administrators
64 county locations Local Staff include
Clerical Staff Parish Agents
Role of clerical staff. . .
Refer Extension clients to appropriate agents or specialists Answer phone 1st to greet those who come to office
Assist agents, specialists & administrators with Educational materials Other office work
Role of Extension Agents
Provide local leadership in program area
Provide local situation data Seek local input on
programming priorities Conduct educational
programs based on identified needs and issues
Prepare parish reports Public relations Respond to questions for
assistance
Role of Specialists . . .
Provide state leadership in area of expertise
Provide state situational data
Develop educational curriculums
Provide in-service training Provide technical support
for agents Coordinate evaluations Prepare state program
reports Respond to requests for
information
Role of administrators . . .
Provide organizational leadership in: Developing organizational objectives Policies and operating procedures Staffing Securing resources Overall organizational planning Educational program planning Reporting
External public relations
The Heart of Extension
Education
My hope for our international visitors
That you can see possibilities of our Extension experience for you and your country in a new light, in a new way