University Extension

Iowa State University became the state’s land-grant institution in 1869. A year later, President Adonijah Welch and Professor of Agriculture Isaac Roberts initiated the institution’s outreach efforts in a series of off-campus institutes for farmers. These were the first extension programs conducted by a land-grant institution and were followed during the next decade by outreach efforts in home economics, and, in the early 1900s, engineering. Over time, Extension grew into an educational outreach program in partnership with all the colleges; in 1968, it was reorganized as University Extension.

University Extension fulfills the outreach and engagement missions of the University by serving the people of Iowa with education and information in six program areas: Agriculture and Natural Resources; Business and Industry; Communities and Economic Development; Families; 4-H Youth Development; and Continuing Education. The ISU Extension mission is to build partnerships and provide research-based learning opportunities to improve quality of life in Iowa.

ISU Extension is committed to

• Expanding an entrepreneurial spirit
• Building and developing partnerships
• Using information and technology effectively
• Anticipating stakeholder needs
• Furthering proactive community involvement, including meeting the challenges   and opportunities related to changing and diverse cultures in the state
• Strengthening linkages between engagement, discovery, and learning to   benefit Iowans
• Strengthening connections to policy makers and decision makers
• Enlarging a team culture emphasizing diverse thinking, and partnerships for a   balance of knowledge-based and skill-based education and services

Iowa State University Extension delivers information and education, including credit and noncredit courses, to off-campus clients. The institution reaches the public through traditional meetings, one-on-one consultations, correspondence courses, electronic technologies, and traditional face-to-face instruction.

Extension anticipates and responds to client needs by focusing proactively on emerging issues. As it assimilates and disperses research-based information, Extension works to improve the economic base and enhance the quality of life of Iowans and others.

In FY03 University Extension conducted a comprehensive “futuring” process. Participants included citizens and Extension staff, all of who collaboratively engaged in the following activities:

• Assessed the environment in which ISU Extension operates and major tendencies for change in this environment,

• Developed a vision for the future of ISU Extension that is consistent with the new environment and the traditional mission of Extension,

• Prepared a roadmap and guidelines for change that are consistent with the evolving environment and the vision and mission of Extension, and

• Established priorities for change given the vision and roadmap and the tendencies in Extension’s environment.

Implementation of broadband communication tools and new continuous improvement initiatives suggested by the Futuring Committee has already begun. Implementing the recommendations of the Futuring Committee is a key strategy for understanding constituencies and meeting their needs.