WATERLOO, Iowa – Allen Ricks knows full well the important role of local volunteers in carrying out Iowa State University Extension educational programs. The new director for ISU Extension’s Region 9 was an extension volunteer before joining the organization.

“Having served as a county extension council member myself, I understand the meaning of volunteer commitment. I want to support the councils in their work,” Ricks said. As regional extension education director he’ll be working closely with the elected nine-member extension councils in Black Hawk, Bremer, Buchanan, Butler, Grundy and Tama counties. On the job since Aug. 1, he’s been listening and learning from them as together they set the direction for ISU Extension educational programs in the six counties.

As ISU Extension makes the transition to 20 regions statewide, the role of volunteers takes on added significance as three to nine extension councils come together in each region. Some have a history of working together, while others are in new territory. Region 9 is among those that are exploring new ground.

“I am anxious to hear the council members’ hopes and dreams for ISU Extension in their county. My task, then, is to help identify and leverage educational program and financial resources that can help fulfill those dreams — in the county and across the region,” Ricks said.

ISU Extension educational programs support healthy people, healthy environments and healthy economies, Ricks said. For example, several counties hosted farm leasing meetings in August. Recruitment for the new 4-H year will begin this fall, and Black Hawk and Grundy counties will offer Master Gardener classes. School-based activities will get under way with the new school year in each of the counties, and nutrition and health classes and other programs for families and community leaders are ongoing.

“Iowa State University has been an outstanding educational resource to the people of Iowa for more than 150 years. For more than 100 years, ISU Extension has been able to adjust to the demands and opportunities of each generation.  I am confident that ISU Extension will be able to use innovation and insight to continue to meet the challenges and find opportunities for the future,” Ricks said.

Ricks has his office in the Black Hawk County Extension Office, 3420 University Avenue, Suite B, Waterloo, Iowa. He can be reached by phone at (319) 234-6811 and by e-mail at alricks@iastate.edu.

Ricks comes to the regional position with three years of experience as the Black Hawk County extension education director. Prior to that he served on the Black Hawk County Extension Council for seven years and was a board member for the Iowa Association of County Extension Councils. He also has 15 years of experience in healthcare development and administration, 17 years as a local parish pastor and one year as a U.S. Peace Corps volunteer in Ethiopia.

He received his bachelor’s degree from Morningside College, Master of Divinity from University of Dubuque Theological Seminary and Master of Business Administration from University of Northern Iowa.

Ricks and his wife, Donna, live in Hudson. Their daughter, son-in-law and 2-year-old granddaughter live in Johnston. Ricks is a member of the Waterloo Rotary Club and the Hudson Lions Club and serves on several agency boards. 

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