Introduction

Cooperative Extension, nationally and in Maryland (MCE), is at a crossroads. The founding principles of Cooperative Extension are fundamentally sound, but Extension has transcended the idea of being a service-oriented organization to that of a learner-centered organization. Today, it is the only agency or organization of its kind: a grassroots program partnering university knowledge and resources to solve the practical needs of American citizens. Extension’s system of federal, state, and local support is the envy of governments and communities around the world. The many complex and often conflicting issues related to food, fiber, natural resources, the environment, families, youth, and societal change are routinely addressed by Cooperative Extension professionals in a timely fashion for the benefit of all.

Maryland Cooperative Extension will continue to review and focus its direction. The state continues to change at a rapid rate, which creates additional educational needs and opportunities for MCE’s historical audiences. It also places new demands on MCE for access to University knowledge and resources by new audiences. Balancing historical programming with the increasing demands of new stakeholders and a static funding base requires development of new funding sources in association with innovative strategic alliances to meet changing needs. Maryland Cooperative Extension will need to distinguish itself as an adaptive and valuable organization in order to continue to be successful at meeting the needs of all our stakeholders.

This strategic plan will serve as the guiding document for our organizational direction for at least the next five to ten years. Concomitantly, MCE is currently developing its next USDA five-year plan of work, which serves as our implementation plan. In developing this plan of work, and as a way to continuously improve our planning and implementation efforts, we will integrate the Strategic Plan and our Plan of Work with the Outcomes-based Logic Model. Together these documents will be a new beginning that will direct our organization and MCE’s educational and outreach focus in the new century. By implementing these plans, we will build on past accomplishments, provide relevant and responsive research-based information, and integrate community-based knowledge into our teaching efforts. We envision MCE as the premier educational outreach component of the University System of Maryland. As such, we will enhance our commitment to engage and share resources with individuals, organizations, and communities across the State of Maryland.

The role of MCE in fostering the engagement of the University into Maryland’s communities and organizations is a key concept of this document. To help define this concept, we relied heavily on the precepts and underlying tenets of two documents: The 1999 Kellogg Commission on the Future of State and Land-Grant Universities’ Third Report; Returning to Our Roots: The Engaged University and the 2002 Extension Committee on Organization and Policy’s (ECOP) The Extension System: A Vision for the 21st Century.

We have before us a great opportunity and the necessary tools to create our future. By implementing this Strategic Plan and the related Plans of Work, we will be strong and focused. We know who we are, and who we need to become. By using the Outcomes-based Logic Model, we will continuously improve our efforts. All of us, the faculty, staff, and administrators of MCE, are leaders in our organization. Individually and together we will adapt to change, distinguish MCE, and enhance our value to the citizens of Maryland.

For more information, contact Jim Hanson

Last updated: 09/27/2006

In Memoriam
Internationally known dairy cattle judge and dairy youth supporter Dr. J. Lee Majeskie of Centreville died suddenly on Friday, August 22, at the University of Maryland Hospital. He was the loving and devoted husband of Judy Alexander Majeskie. - posted Aug 29, 2008

Back to School for Cascade Users!
Students are heading back to school, so perhaps it’s time for you to brush up on your Cascade Server skills. - posted Aug 26, 2008

Attention 4-H'ers! A special invitation to the Maryland State Fair
4-H'ers are invited to visit with AGNR Academic Programs staff to learn more about the College of AGNR at the University of Maryland. Games, prizes, and more! - posted Aug 25, 2008

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