Dear Colleagues,
I am pleased to formally release the 2026 Call for UC Cooperative Extension (UCCE) Advisor and Specialist Positions. We continue to prioritize growing our academic footprint to provide the expertise needed to improve the lives of all Californians and address emerging and future needs. I am thrilled that we have our Strategic Vision 2040 for this new position call.
I plan to release 20 new UCCE positions: 13 or 14 new priority UCCE Advisor positions and 6 or 7 new priority UCCE Specialist positions. We are building on the strong foundation of almost 50 UCCE positions approved during the 2024 call and the 2022 historic release of over 100 UCCE positions.
The processes for new UCCE Advisor and UCCE Specialist positions take a similar approach to previous calls, but have been improved in response to feedback. To get the strongest proposals for priority positions, we expect active engagement with internal and external stakeholders in both identifying and co-developing the proposals. We are leveraging the new UC ANR Program Teams, which engage and represent the UCCE, and agInnovation (formerly known as Agricultural Experiment Station) network including our Statewide Programs and Institutes. Program Teams bring programmatic expertise and statewide perspective, and the local Cooperative Extension directors and campus leaders bring location needs and extensive stakeholder input.
- For UCCE Advisor positions, the Area Directors/County Directors and the Research and Extension Center (REC) Directors will prioritize positions in their regional teams, matching priority ideas generated by Program Teams.
- For UCCE Specialist positions, campuses submit position proposals that match Program Team priorities and reflect their academic planning.
- The REC System can submit up to two proposals to fill any additional systemwide position needs.
Please see the 2026 CE Position Call webpage for more detailed process information and important documents, such as the required proposal template. Here is the timeline for both UCCE Advisor and UCCE Specialist positions:
1. Identify priority positions – by March 31
2. Match priorities with other groups – by April 24
3. Proposal co-creation and submission – by June 12
4. Program Council reviews and develops recommendations – July 7-8
5. Vice President Humiston makes final decision and releases positions – early fall
Reminder that the process orientation webinar will be on March 4 from 1- 3 p.m. The Zoom information will be sent to Program Team Leaders, Statewide Program/Institute Directors, REC Directors, Area/County Directors, Department Chairs and campus leadership. It will be recorded and posted on the 2026 UCCE Position Call webpage.
I look forward to seeing the proposals developed through this collaborative prioritization.
Regards,
Glenda Humiston
Vice President