Well extension has been an integral part of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
throughout its more than 150 year history.
And while that remains true today, the needs of Nebraskans and rural America
continue to change over time.
Well, Dean of Nebraska Extension Dr. Charles Stoltenow joins us now.
Known as Dr. Charlie, thank you so much for being here.
So let's talk about how Nebraska Extension is adapting to all of these changes.
Thanks, Suzanne, how are we adapting to the changes?
You know, in Nebraska, we have 93 counties, we have 83 offices, but extension is
always listening.
Always listening to the people out there, whether it's urban or rural.
And one of the things we're hearing, and we're reacting to is, there are five
points or five major conversations that are going on in Nebraska.
And they they center around developing a skilled workforce, reducing healthcare
costs, creating statewide economic viability and vitality, retaining and
attracting young people, and leveraging our strengths for sustained success.
And so our response to that is, as we thought about this, we need to focus and
so we're calling we're launching what we call the big three.
We're in the big 10, we're Go Big Red, and the big three kind of resonated.
And the big three are strengthening Nebraska agriculture and food, inspiring
Nebraskans and their communities, and enhancing the health and well being of all
Nebraskans.
And so those are the big three areas that we're coming in.
So Dr. Charlie, this really allows the voice of the community to be heard.
As we look at agriculture and food, we've always been strong.
Nebraska has always been strong in ag and food.
And food is on people's minds at least three times for myself probably four
times a day, and you look at inspiring Nebraskans.
We want we're talking about how do we build help youth development?
How do we build leaders?
How do we help our communities become stronger, and to grow.
And then on health and well being, health is part of everybody's life and well being.
We've always been there, but we have a whole new emphasis in that area.
So extension obviously so suited to Nebraskans, and facing these challenges
addressing these issues.
And it is so important to continue.
And if you could speak to that, that why this is such a need.
Well, as we look forward, you know, extension serves the needs, serves everyone
in the state.
And so we want to look at what's unifying.
We have great personnel, we have a great infrastructure, but we're branching out.
We're partnering with new partners, we're partnering with the School of Public
Health, we're partnering with the University of Nebraska Medical Center, people
that historically or groups who have not partnered with before.
We're moving into our underserved populations.
We are making a big effort into hiring people who are bilingual in a number of
different languages.
And so how do we reach out to where we're needed?
Evergrowing, thank you so much, Dr. Charlie.
Appreciate your time.
That's Dean of Nebraska Extension, Dr. Charles Stoltenow, thank you again.