More than 40 participants, representing OSU Extension county and state offices as well as campus and community partners, participated in the Summit on Extension in Ohio’s Urban Communities on Jan. 29. Participants explored converging interests of university, college, and national urban Extension. Diverse working groups discussed the pull of the future, push of the present, and weight of the past for the four strategic “Ps” outlined in the National Framework for Urban Extension – positioning, programs, personnel, and partnerships. These groups moved from dialogue about a potential future to specific goals for a planned future for 2020-2025. Students DaVonti’ Haynes and Amelia Michaels shared preliminary analysis of a case study conducted with Extension’s urban-serving teams in Ohio’s most populated counties. Two outstanding professionals, Christine and Marvin Olinsky, were celebrated for their outstanding contributions to Extension in Ohio’s urban communities. This event followed the OSU Sesquicentennial Think Beyond Summit on Urban Universities + Thriving Communities. See cityextension.osu.edu for additional information and opportunities to join the positive forward motion.
I am excited to see what the results of the discussions and goals are that can inform our various efforts in OSU Extension to meet the needs of all Ohioans, and to be cognizant of and responsive to the unique needs of our urban clientele and partners while enhancing our rural-urban interface.