Column by Chad Higgins, Vice Chancellor for Extension and Engagement, University of Missouri

In a small-town firehouse, a paramedic completes training that helps save a life. On a family farm in mid-Missouri, a grower taps into expert advice to improve yields and connect to new markets. In a city park, young kids kick off a soccer season—learning teamwork and healthy eating habits along the way.

These aren’t separate stories. They’re all part of the quiet, everyday impact of the University of Missouri Extension. For more than a century, MU Extension has worked alongside Missourians to solve problems, share knowledge and strengthen communities. But for many, MU Extension remains one of Missouri’s best-kept secrets. It’s time more people knew what their neighbors already do: MU Extension is here, it’s local, and it’s working.

With services in every county and specialists rooted in the communities they serve, MU Extension offers something increasingly rare—trusted, boots-on-the-ground support that helps Missourians thrive. We don’t drop in with prepackaged answers. We listen. We partner. And we help people and communities take action on the things that matter most to them.

Whether it’s helping small businesses grow, supporting family farms or preparing the next generation through 4-H, MU Extension is there. We’re there when a young parent wants to learn how to cook nutritious meals on a tight budget. We’re there when a rural entrepreneur needs help navigating broadband access or business financing. We’re there when educators seek hands-on STEM programs or when families want to preserve food and reduce waste.

We’re also a powerful force for public health and workforce development. MU Extension delivers health education that meets people where they are—from chronic disease prevention and nutrition classes to mental health first aid and youth wellness programs. Our continuing education for firefighters, law enforcement, paramedics, health professionals and government officials keeps communities safe and responsive. And across Missouri, we provide job-readiness support and upskilling opportunities that help people build stronger futures—for themselves and their communities.

This isn’t small-scale work—it’s statewide, and it’s significant. In the past year alone, more than 1.2 million Missourians participated in MU Extension programs. For every dollar Missouri invests in MU Extension, the state receives $13 in public value in return. In total, MU Extension generates more than $1 billion in economic impact for Missouri each year.

The people behind this impact are your neighbors—like Crystal, a youth educator in northeastern Missouri who brings science, gardening, and cooking programs to schools through 4-H. Or Eric, a livestock specialist who helps local farmers and ranchers improve profit margins. Or Rob, who works with county officials to connect broadband access to economic opportunity.

They are part of a statewide network of neighbors helping neighbors, backed by the research and resources of Missouri’s land-grant university. And they’re doing the work not for recognition but because they believe in Missouri’s people and potential.

At a time when communities face tough challenges—rising costs, workforce shortages, changing industries and evolving health needs—MU Extension is uniquely positioned to help. We bring people together, spark new solutions and help build the capacity of communities to meet today’s demands and tomorrow’s opportunities.

This is what a land-grant university looks like in action. Not just in classrooms or labs but in town halls, fire stations, farms and family kitchens—where  real life happens.

MU Extension doesn’t just work in Missouri. We work with Missouri. And we’re proud to walk alongside communities as they grow stronger, more connected and more resilient.

So, the next time you see a thriving farmers market, a confident teenager leading a community project or a well-trained first responder, you just might be seeing MU Extension at work.

We’re honored to be part of Missouri’s story. And we’re just getting started.

Photo

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University of Missouri Vice Chancellor for Extension and Engagement Chad Higgins