1. UWEX: The People’s University “My cousin in Tibet is an illiterate subsistence farmer. By accident of birth I was raised in the West and have a Ph.D. The task of our generation is to cut through the illusion that we inhabit separate worlds. Only then will we find the heart to rise to the daunting but urgent challenges of global disparity.” Losang Rabgey, National Geographic Emerging Explorer, Starbucks “The Way I See It,” no. 288.

2. UWEX: The People’s University So, what do we do with the same situation in Wisconsin? UWEX understands that we do not inhabit separate worlds but share the same world.

3. UWEX: The People’s University We are citizens of the same world, the same state. We are consumers of the same food in the same economy. We all are inheritors of “The Wisconsin Idea.” Rural Wisconsin and small-town Wisconsin count.

4. “The Wisconsin Idea” “The State will not have discharged its duty to the University nor the University fulfilled its mission to the people until adequate means have been furnished to every young man and woman in the state to acquire an education at home in every department of learning.” Gov. Robert M. La Follette, 1901

5. “The Wisconsin Idea” The ideal of inclusion and commonality. The ideal of comprehensiveness and practicality. The ideal of rural life and values. The ideal of public higher education for the public good. Lecture service for teachers, 1860Applied research Farmers institutes, 1885Public lectures Mechanics institutes, 1888Summer classes Governmental engagement, c. 1900Public outreach

6. The Ideal of the Idea UW Extension is “The People’s University.” Partnerships in the public service... Extending out to the entire state.

7. The Ideal of the Idea Economic development, community development, and human development are one in the same for UW Extension. Stronger persons, stronger families, and stronger communities make for a stronger economy and a stronger Wisconsin. is the people’s university. is our rural university.

8. The Ideal of the Idea Cooperative Extension: Applying university expertise to the real needs of real people in real time and in a real place in order to make a real difference since 1911. We provide education about family economics; food and nutrition; policies affecting families, communities and businesses; school readiness; drug and alcohol prevention; parenting; youth development; natural resources; economic development and downtown revitalization; local government education and community development. By offering educational programs in each of Wisconsin’s 72 counties and two tribal nations, we make information from the University of Wisconsin System available to help people transform their lives, businesses and communities. By offering education that transforms people’s lives, we fulfill our mission to extend the knowledge and resources of the University of Wisconsin to people where they live and work.

9. Cooperative Extension The community-building work of Cooperative Extension, including the practical educational programs that respond to local needs ensures access to the research and resources of the University of Wisconsin System. We are successful in our mission, in part, because Cooperative Extension offices are located where people live and work in each of Wisconsin’s 72 counties. Agriculture Family living Youth Community and Natural Resource Development Small business development and entrepreneurship Leadership Natural History

10. Cooperative Extension Each county department head’s role is unique. Because counties differ in size, complexity and type of administrative structure, the specific time demands and complexity of the department head’s role varies. Serving as both a leader and as a manager, the county department head, appointed in joint agreement by Cooperative Extension and county government, carries out [his/her] functions to strengthen the organizational effectiveness of Cooperative Extension.

11. Central District Director Facilitate the success of county directors. Recognize the uniqueness of each county arena. Connect the various components into a vibrant, coherent whole. Realize the ideal of the Wisconsin Idea. Lead, not just manage.

12. Central District Director Making the most of resources Mission, purpose, and need Creativity Consultation With staff With stakeholders With the UW and Extension

13. Central District Director Making the most of resources Collaborations and partnerships New resources Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility

14. Central District Director Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility Where technology meets production - Growing fish for tomorrow's markets. The mission of the UW-Stevens Point - Northern Aquaculture Demonstration Facility is to promote and advance the development of commercial aquaculture in a northern climate by: Demonstrating production-scale aquaculture. Conducting applied research. Providing outreach and extension services. Providing training, workshops and educational opportunities. Building & strengthening cooperative relationships among commercial aquaculturists, tribal, state and federal agencies. Working with fish growers on fish health issues, assessments, training and permitting. Developing best management practices for a sustainable and environmental industry.

15. Central District Director Making the most of resources Collaborations and partnerships New resources

16. Central District Director Making the most of resources Collaborations and partnerships New resources

17. Central District Director Making the most of resources Collaborations and partnerships New resources

18. Central District Director Recruit and retain qualified staff Emphasize the strengths and potential of Central Wisconsin. Pursue Co-op Extension’s mission. Follow the rules. Maximize salaries as appropriate to accomplishment, skill, and experience.

19. Central District Director Recruit and retain qualified staff Maintain an optimistic workplace. Make the District Office a fulfilling and enjoyable work environment. Trust in people’s talents and expertise. Build up the county teams and the departments & program-area teams.

20. Central District Director Recruit and retain qualified staff Bolster both individual and corporate strengths. Build up the county teams and the content- area teams. Lead in a 3-dimensional construct.

21. UWEX: The People’s University Thank you for this opportunity to discuss with you my interest in and capacity for working with all of you on behalf of the Central District of the UW Cooperative Extension. Dr. Lance Grahn