1. Since we use these stories as a resource for multiple requests, don’t restrict Success Stories only to traditional Extension appointments and activities. Any accomplishments and efforts that are noteworthy may be included.

Agents are generally telling stories related to successful programs and the level of impact within their counties. They describe the new or renewed partnerships developed because of these programs and in many cases this interaction between Extension and the clients is the first for the clients. Details of Extension’s program implementation are described in reference to how outcomes are reported. Seldom are agents’ success stories based on feedback or observations from co-workers, administrators, or specialists.

Over the past year, the Jefferson County Ag and Natural Resource Agent has been involved with Extension specialists and administrators in UK’s College Agriculture, Food and the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Resources Department, and the newly developed UK Urban Extension Initiative. This partnership has resulted in the development of the statewide KYMN program and a candidate for the First Cohort of the Urban Extension Institute Fellows Leadership program. 

UK’s KY Master Naturalists program, developed by UK’s Extension Specialists in the Department of   Forestry and College of Agriculture, Food and the Environment, along with Extension Agents, began a pilot program in Jefferson County led by the Ag Agent in the fall of 2018. The pilot program resulted from several months of planning in 2017 and 2018 and has had several certification classes since then.

The Urban Extension Institute began its first Fellows Leadership program with the selection of 5 Extension Agents to be part of a rigorous year-long examination of Urban Extension within the US Land Grant University system.  This study included regular class time with readings for each class. Additionally, there was a research project involved and I was fortunate to extend my project through 2022. 

Because of the involvement with the KYMN program, the Urban Extension Institute Fellows Research program, and the resulting research summary, I received three invitations to the KY State Extension Conference to participate in two-panel discussions and to present a poster of my research on Using Vacant Lots in West Louisville for Urban Ag Food Production.  This is not a typical ‘Success Story’ where the number of contacts or positive outcome surveys determines the success of the program. The success of the agent should occasionally be the perceived ‘Success Story’ when the positive feedback and observations come from administrators, clients, and co-workers.