Nov. 14, 2003

Deaton, Turner dialogue with Program Leadership Council about transition

Brady Deaton, MU provost and executive vice chancellor, and Ron Turner, UM executive vice president and director of extension, discussed the upcoming UO/E and MU extension consolidation with regional directors and campus program leaders, Nov. 12. At the beginning of his comments, Deaton noted his long history and high regard for extension, which began with his participation in 4-H and has continued throughout his academic career. Among the points of discussion:

• Turner said, "Programming accounts for 95 percent of the extension effort; administration is the other 5 percent. The consolidation is dealing with the 5 percent."

• The consolidation recommendation was made by Turner and Deaton at the request of President Floyd to consider possibilities throughout the University to consolidate for efficiency. Campus/System consolidations that have already taken place include those in information technology, institutional research, and University Hospitals and Clinics.

• The transition is to the provost's office on the Columbia campus, not to a department or program unit.

• President Floyd and the general officers agree that extension is to continue as a statewide, Universitywide mission.

Relationships and partnerships with the UM campuses in Rolla, St. Louis and Kansas City are very important and will be part of the transition. If Northwest Missouri State University, or any other university becomes part of the UM System, an extension partnership also will be built with that university.

Deaton described extension as "a transforming aspect of higher education." He said reaching out to the state's most needy citizens is a high priority. He also emphasized his dedication to international education. In response to comments from Dave Klostermann, UMSL interim dean for continuing education and outreach, Deaton said the entire University has a "tremendous vested interest in urban programming." He said he is interested in the engagement of the University with the state and its population: "We must be credible at the local level throughout the state."

Deaton also said it will be important to maintain linkages with Lincoln University, Missouri's 1890 land-grant institution. Speaking of the 1862 and 1890 institutions, he said, "Each has a role to play, and they ought to be complementary roles."

Commenting on the linkages between regional and campus faculty, Deaton said his ideal would be for every field faculty member to be associated with an academic program on one or more campuses. He also is a staunch advocate for science-based, research-based information as the source for extension programming. He said, "It is the reason for extension."

Responding to a question from NW Region Director Karma Metzgar about filling field vacancies, Deaton said reviewing the program position deficiencies in the field will be a high priority. He said the campus, too, is dealing with vacancies in teaching positions due to state budget reductions. "In no way am I diminishing county-level voids," he said. "The entire University faces the same problem; we need to promote a balanced view."

Concerning the TCRCs, Deaton said someone would be designated to work with the executive committees and staff. The TCRCs will be reviewed along with all information technology. "I hope some integration can occur," he said.

Deaton summed up his vision for extension with the words, "dynamic," "flexible," "supple," "vibrant" and "responding to emerging needs in society."

Turner said, "We want to make the transition process as open as it can be," and that communication he had received from UO/E faculty and staff since the transition decision was announced last week has been overwhelmingly positive and supportive.

See: UM System/MU Extension Merger Information

		Eileen Yager, yagere@umsystem.edu Weekly News Editor Last modified: January 08, 2007
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