Extension and Outreach Strategic Plan

ISU Extension and Outreach is developing a new strategic plan for 2023-2028.

  • See the July 24, 2023, message from Jason Henderson to staff and council members: It's time to start talking with colleagues and neighbors about the big things ISU Extension and Outreach can do when we focus our energy. Engage in your version of the fire pit conversation, dream big, and stretch our potential.
  • The Strategic Planning Committee began meeting in July. See the list of members below.
  • It is anticipated that the new strategic plan will be completed by January 2024.

MISSION

ISU Extension and Outreach builds a strong Iowa by engaging all Iowans in research, education, and extension experiences to address current and emerging real-life challenges.

VISION

ISU Extension and Outreach will advance land-grant values by engaging all Iowans in solving today’s problems and preparing for a thriving future.

CORE VALUES

The Extension Professional’s Creed embodies ISU Extension and Outreach’s core values for building a strong Iowa in partnership with all Iowans.

Strategic Planning Committee members

The members and the areas they represent are:

  • Laura Iles (Agriculture and Natural Resources)
  • Adam Janke (Agriculture and Natural Resources)
  • Ann Johanns (Agriculture and Natural Resources)
  • Lynn Adams (Community and Economic Development)
  • Lisa Bates (Community and Economic Development)
  • Courtney Long (Community and Economic Development)
  • Kerry Aistrope (County Services)
  • Missy Crawford (County Services)
  • Beth Frankenstein (County Services)
  • Bryan Whaley (County Services)
  • Lisa Berkland (4-H Youth Development)
  • Bonnie Dalager (4-H Youth Development)
  • Lorena Dorado-Robles (4-H Youth Development)
  • Nichol Kleespies (4-H Youth Development)
  • Christine Hradek (Human Sciences)
  • Lori Korthals (Human Sciences)
  • Vera Stokes (Human Sciences)
  • Ryan Stuart (Human Sciences)
  • Jill Brimeyer (Operations)
  • Jed Findlay (Operations)
  • Keli Tallman (Operations)

Aimee Viniard-Weideman, community engagement and leadership specialist, is serving as facilitator.

ISU Extension and Outreach Strategic Plan, 2017-2022

VISION

ISU Extension and Outreach will advance land-grant values by engaging all Iowans in solving today’s problems and preparing for a thriving future.

MISSION

ISU Extension and Outreach builds a strong Iowa by engaging all Iowans in research, education, and extension experiences to address current and emerging real-life challenges.

CORE VALUES

The Extension Professional’s Creed embodies ISU Extension and Outreach’s core values for building a strong Iowa in partnership with all Iowans.

Goal 1. Engage all Iowans with access to research-based education and information.

Strategy 1. Create educational experiences with Iowans so they make well-informed decisions, apply knowledge, and use innovations in ways that build the economy and enhance the quality of life.

Strategy 2. Provide accessible and understandable research-based information to decision makers.

Strategy 3. Form partnerships inside and outside Iowa State to extend access to education to all Iowans.

Strategy 4. Gather feedback from Iowans to inform further research and programming needs.

Strategy 5. Collaborate across the university to create opportunities with Iowa State students to achieve ISU Extension and Outreach’s mission.

Goal 2. Build capacity for council members, faculty, staff, and volunteers.

Strategy 1. Develop and support a structure to sustain professional development with council members, faculty, staff, and volunteers that fosters the production and dissemination of applied research and educational programming.

Strategy 2. Promote pathways for Iowans to pursue current and future ISU Extension and Outreach employment and volunteer opportunities.

Strategy 3. Invest in new staff orientation and mentoring offerings to guide professionals’ successful navigation within the ISU Extension and Outreach, Iowa State, and/or county extension systems.

Goal 3. Enhance efforts in programming, operations, and staffing to reach diverse and underrepresented populations.

Strategy 1. Expand advertising, communications, and collaborative efforts with University Human Resources to recruit, hire, onboard, and retain diverse faculty and staff.

Strategy 2. Integrate partnerships that support inclusion and involve underrepresented audiences within each ISU Extension and Outreach program and service unit.

Strategy 3. Include faculty and staff efforts related to diversity, equity, and/or inclusion within annual performance reviews.

Strategy 4. Strengthen professionals’ competencies in working with diverse and underserved audiences.

Category: