Pat and Tom Buchanan Endowment

Pat and Tom Buchanan believe in University of Missouri Extension, they have a desire to support the organization, and a goal to see Regional Extension Specialist enhance their knowledge and skills through professional development.  Because of these key reasons, they have financed an endowment to create opportunities for Regional Extension Specialist to strengthen their abilities to provide the people of Missouri with quality Extension programs.

"We felt that providing this endowment would give Extension faculty members an additional opportunity to enhance their skills.  It is our way of giving something back to the organization that played an important role in our lives."  - Pat Buchanan

Pat Buchanan worked for MU Extension for 30 years, starting as a county home economist and later working as a regional textile and apparel management specialist.  Pat also worked as the Assistant to the Director of Cooperative Extension and Affirmative Action Coordinator.  In 1994, she accepted a position as Regional Director with University of Illinois Cooperative Extension.  She retired in 2002.

After 10 years as a contracting engineer in private industry, Tom Buchanan changed careers, to become an Extension Business and Industry Specialist.  He spent 24 years working for University of Missouri Extension and four years working with Illinois Cooperative Extension.

This Endowment will be awarded each year to a University of Missouri Extension faculty member to support professional development opportunities.  Because of Pat and Tom’s work with Human Environmental Sciences and Business Development preference will be given to Regional Extension Specialists in these areas.

Award Amount

A cash award in the amount of $500, less applicable taxes will be awarded annually.

Eligibility:

Applications will be reviewed based on the professional development plan of the individual Extension Specialist.  Applicants must:

1. Currently be employed as a University of Missouri Extension regional faculty member.
2. Have three (3) years of consecutive employment with the University of Missouri.
3. Preference will be given to Business and Industry or Human Environmental Sciences Regional Extension Specialists.

Criteria:

Decisions will be based on:

1. Relationship to the applicant’s professional development;

2. Individual initiative and creativity;

3. Benefit to the individual, organization and clientele.

Priority will be given to first time applicants who are Regional Extension Business Development Specialist or Regional Human Environmental Science Specialists. Applications must be submitted prior to the professional development experience.

Selection:

Applications will be submitted to the Office of the Vice Provost for Extension each year. The Vice Provost for Extension will appoint a committee to recommend the person to receive the annual Buchanan Endowment award.

A complete application will include: a 1-2 page letter explaining the proposed professional development experience, expected outcomes, benefit to clientele, and a budget. Two letters of support are also required; one of the letters should be from the Regional Director. After completing the application, individuals must send it to their Regional Director, who will forward it to the Office of the Vice Provost for Extension, 108 Whitten Hall, Columbia, MO 65211
 

Questions:

Contact Barbara Casady, Director of Development, MU Extension

Extension Awards
and Recognition

Extension Fellowships

Ronald J. Turner
Global Education Award

Tom and Pat Buchanan
Professional Development
Award

Community
Development
Endowment

Vice Provost's Award

Extension Teamwork Award

Carl N. Scheneman
Excellence in Teaching
Award

Missouri Farm Bureau
Federation Awards

Missouri Chamber of
Commerce and Industry Award

Associated Industries
of Missouri Award

County Clerical
Awards

C. Brice Ratchford
Memorial Fellowship