- Author: Pamela Kan-Rice
Dear Colleagues,
In 2014, the country will mark the 100-year anniversary of Cooperative Extension. President Woodrow Wilson signed the Smith-Lever Act on May 8, 1914, providing funding to the nation’s land-grant universities in order to develop and deliver “practical applications of research knowledge.” This provided the foundation for the beginnings of UC Cooperative Extension.
I have appointed a committee to plan activities that will celebrate UC Cooperative Extension’s centennial and capitalize on this important opportunity to raise awareness among both external and internal audiences. While the centennial focuses on our history, it also provides a platform to showcase UC Cooperative Extension’s future. UCCE and the whole UC ANR community will continue to be essential to the delivery of science-based solutions to the many challenges facing California.
Rose Hayden-Smith, Cooperative Extension advisor in Ventura County and leader of the Sustainable Food Systems Strategic Initiative, and Yana Valachovic, Cooperative Extension director and advisor in Humboldt County, have agreed to co-chair the committee.
The rest of the committee is made up of academics and staff:
- Connie Schneider, director of the Youth, Families and Communities Statewide Program
- Jim Sullins, UCCE director for Tulare and Kings counties
- Rachel Surls, UCCE advisor in Los Angeles County
- Steve Vasquez, UCCE co-director and advisor in Fresno County
- Cindy Barber, director of Development Services
- Sherrell Cline-Richmond, MSO for Communication Services and Information Technology
- Ann King Filmer, director of Communications, UC Davis College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
- Pam Kan-Rice, assistant director, News and Information Outreach
- Cynthia Kintigh, marketing director, Communication Services and Information Technology
- Annette Leeland, executive director, California 4-H Foundation
- Jennifer Rindahl, director of Advocacy Communications
- Jeannette Warnert, senior public information representative, News and Information Outreach
The charge to the committee is as follows:
- Establish a theme and identify core messages and communications goals
- Identify target audiences
- Plan events and activities to engage the public
- Guide the development of a communications plan
- Guide the development of materials and campaigns
- Involve academics, staff, stakeholders, decision-makers and retirees
- Incorporate local advocacy with community leaders, clientele, elected officials and policymakers
- Recommend appropriate resources
Barbara Allen-Diaz
Vice President
View or leave comments for ANR Leadership.
This announcement is also posted and archived on the ANR Update pages.