May 2023

How Does a Changing Climate Impact Dams? The Agriculture Research Service is Looking for the Answers Media contact : Maribel.Alonso@usda.gov How do the extreme weather changes resulting from climate change impact the condition of our nation’s aging dams? Do sudden shifts from extreme precipitation events to flash droughts put this infrastructure at risk? These are the types of questions researchers like Dr. Sherry Hunt, a research leader and acting location coordinator at the USDA...

The NTAE Incubation Summit provided attendees with valuable insights and discussions for NTAE teams currently going through the incubation track. This event was an opportunity for teams to collaborate and receive support to help propel them forward in their projects. Participants had the opportunity to learn from speakers, engage with mentors and professionals, and share their own experiences and projects. One of the panel discussions at the Summit was "Ways to Take Your Work from Good to...

The "unofficial" start of summer begins on the last weekend in May. It begins with reflection. It begins with gratitude. Gratitude for those who lost their lives serving our nation. It's a different pause for reflection. Each November 11 we set aside for Veteran's Day. This day is for ALL who have served in our military. In peace or at war. Living or deceased. Memorial Day is about those who have given everything. In this letter, President Lincoln captures the sacrifice & loss of loved...

Congratulations to the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) EXCITE team for receiving the National Immunization Excellence Award for "Immunization Neighborhood Champion" at the National Adult Immunization Summit! This award acknowledges their outstanding efforts in fostering collaboration and communication among immunization stakeholders within their community. They exemplify Extension's role as a partner in immunization education and public health. The Virginia EXCITE team was nominated for...

AI Basics for Extension: Intro to Using AI June 1st, 2023 2:00 - 3:30 PM ET Register Here If you are new you new to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and wondering how it can enhance your work? Intrigued by the buzz of AI but don't know where to start? This special session for Extension Professionals will explore the basics of Artificial Intelligence and its potential use in Extension work. This engaging and informative session is a great opportunity to learn about the potential of AI, whether...

When families experience food insecurity, hunger may be only one result. An often-overlooked factor of insufficient access to food is the detrimental impact on mental health. Adults with low food security are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and heightened stress [1]. Socio-economic background, race, culture, and location all play a role in the development of one’s psychological well-being. Historically marginalized groups are already at a disproportionate disadvantage to being...

Getting clear with ourselves about our beliefs helps connect us to our core values. They will shift over our lives so it's a constant journey of discovery. Here are some things to ponder as you check in on your journey. Your Leadership Philosophy Defining what the huge topic of leadership is to you is of utmost importance. It helps us get clear on our approach, communicate it to others, and measure how we're doing every day. Here's mine right now... It's realizing it's not about me &...

The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service is currently accepting applications for the Area Extension Director for Central 7 and Central 8. This position provides county-focused leadership and administrative oversight for eight counties located in Northern Kentucky (Boone, Campbell, Carroll, Gallatin, Grant, Kenton, Owen, and Pendleton). Responsibilities include direct supervision of agents and support staff, as well as indirect supervision of additional county-level positions.

The University of Vermont is hiring an Extension Assistant Professor of Community and Economic Development . Details below and online at University of Vermont Employment Opportunities | Extension Assistant Professor (uvmjobs.com) . Review of applications will begin on June 15, 2023, and will continue until the position is filled. University of Vermont (UVM) Extension is recruiting for an exciting career opportunity as an Extension Assistant Professor. The successful candidate will join us in...

Rockville, Md. – ICYMI: Last week, on May 10, the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee convened in person for its second official meeting. The Committee heard opening remarks from U.S. Public Health Service Rear Admiral (RDML) Paul Reed, Director of HHS’ Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, who thanked the Committee for their service and acknowledged how their work helps promote health, well-being, and resilience through nutrition. RDML Reed also applauded the Committee’s...

We invite you to participate in a survey to identify professional development needs for Cooperative Extension professionals at 1862, 1890, and 1994 Land-grant universities in the US and US territories. We estimate the survey will take roughly 10 minutes to complete. Findings from this survey will be used to determine the future direction for the Extension Foundation as well as being shared widely across all Cooperative Extension organizations. We ask that you please complete the survey by...

Recently our family was at a party of mutual school parent friends. Had a conversation with one of the Dads about "what we do". This led to him sharing a bit about where he works and their culture. He said they are highly transactional in how they approach almost everything. Curious, I inquired how he felt about their approach. He stated that for his industry it was probably appropriate, then added that it didn't always feel very good. We had a great conversation about his experience and the...