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Thoughts from Jackie

Friends,

These last few weeks have been especially difficult as we continue to experience the loss of Americans as a result of hate crimes. No lives should ever be lost because of racial hatred. Our thoughts are with these families, communities, and all Americans who continue to experience discrimination and violence due to prejudice and intolerance. OSU Extension is committed to inclusion and caring; and it is my greatest hope that we will be leaders in embracing differences, serving all, and ensuring that everyone knows they have a home in Extension as employees, participants, and partners in making our world a place where all Ohioans can thrive. Please consider how we can continue to amplify and live our Extension Keys at lod.cfaes.ohio-state.edu/organizational-development/extension-keys and personify our CFAES Principles of Community at brand.cfaes.ohio-state.edu/campaigns/principles-community.

The "Lean in" Tour had a wonderful launch last Friday in Logan County, where I was able to meet our new 4-H educator (Sarah Dailey), spend time with one of our county commissioners (Mark Robinson), participate in camp counselor training at Camp Clifton (surprised Fayette County there), and visit local landmarks (Campbell Hill-- highest point in Ohio, first concrete road in America, Clifton Mill, Piatt Castle, and Indian Lake). Thank you to Stephanie Knight and Kathy Tutt for kicking the tour off with such a great itinerary. I am looking forward to making my way across all 88 counties this year. We currently have 43 visits scheduled between now and February (see attached list) and expect to make additional 2023 dates available next week.

tour photo 1tour photo 2tour photo 3 - wind turbinestour photo 4

We remain committed to the growth, development, and recognition of all of employees. As such, we have much to celebrate as many of our Extension faculty and our A&P staff have received notification of their promotion or promotion and tenure. Commitment to engaging in Extension scholarship, including excellence in teaching, creative and scholarly works, and service is required for success in promotion (differing by educator and faculty levels); and we want to applaud their hard work and dedication to our land-grant mission. Congratulations to all of our successful candidates; a complete list will be shared in the near future.

Safe travels to our contingency attending the National Urban Extension Conference this week in Camden, New Jersey. We will be celebrating Nicole Debose's selection as the NEUL National Leadership Award winner for NUEC 22. She is being recognized as an “Extension leader who made exceptional contributions to urban programming.”

American flag from freeimages.com (bencwright photo)Please enjoy your extended Memorial Day holiday weekend, and I hope you find ways in which you can honor the military personnel who died while serving in the United States armed forces and showing gratitude to those currently serving our country. We especially thank our Extension professionals who serve in the military and the National Guard. We owe you all so much! As we see what is happening in Ukraine and across the world, we know how very important this service is to us all and to our continued freedom and safety. Photo courtesy of freeimages.com (photo by bencwright)

If you haven’t reviewed the story about President Johnson’s participation in the AAU (Association of American Universities) Zoom meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, check it out at news.osu.edu/president-johnson-participates-in-aau-meeting-with-ukrainian-president.

I hope you enjoy your well-deserved long weekend. Shut off those phones, stay away from work (it will be there when you get back on Tuesday), and truly get off the grid and refuel. There is much to be grateful for and I am so very grateful for each of you.

Best regards, Jackie