Extension success is measured, in part, by its collaborative efforts with community leaders, other entities, and stakeholders. What’s been a major component in Extension’s purpose for years, but being emphasized now more than ever, is the Extension’s ability to partner and share resources with other efforts in the community to meet needs and increase quality of life. A tremendous honor was held by Harrison County Extension when the Regional Director for area C4, recommended the Harrison Extension team as an office to highlight for its collaborations within the community of Harrison County to the first ever University of Kentucky Engagement Academy.

On Thursday, September 14th, 2023, the Engagement Academy visited Harrison County. The Academy consisted of 39 UK staff and faculty that participated in a two-day event hearing from collaborative efforts with the University (day 1) and touring two selected regional extension counties (day 2) – one being Harrison County.

Starting their tour day off at the Harrison County Extension Office the UK Engagement Academy first witnessed an opening session from the 4-H Teen Council Officers. Showcasing the teen’s leadership abilities, the 4-H officers “ran a business meeting” as they introduced the sequential speakers who spoke at the office. There were a couple of presentations from Wedco District Health Department followed by staff from the Harrison County Extension Office who gave greetings and highlighted some program areas, along with some outreach initiatives within the community.

UK staff and faculty then took a trip to downtown Cynthiana. Their first stop was at The Prizing House where they enjoyed and experienced an annual collaborative tradition that Extension hosts for Harrison County through the FCS program: a tea party. During this elaborate event, academy members heard more about Harrison Extension efforts in a presentation from the owner of The Prizing House. After a delicious brunch, participants then toured the city’s Boyd’s Station Art Gallery on their way to be seated in Rohs Opera House. At the theater, the UK Engagement Academy got to hear from the Harrison County Chamber Director, Boyd’s Station Art Gallery, freelance photographer, and Extension Agents/Program Assistant in a panel discussion on the numerous collaborative efforts that Extension hold with community partners. That list included the Chamber/4-H Young Entrepreneur program, yoga pilot study program at Boyd’s Station Gallery, Leadership Harrison County participation, Chamber board and strategic planning committee, 4-H / Boyd’s Station photography partnership, Boyd’s Station facility sharing with the local Farmer’s Market, and the Chamber/Extension partnership on the Giant Pumpkin contest.

Several skeletons were even adopted from the out-of-town guests (on their way back to the bus), providing a unique and exciting experience for the guests while directly helping the Cynthiana tourism initiative!

A follow up message was sent by the coordinator of the academy to the Harrison Office team regarding the Academy’s time in Harrison County that read the following.

“I want to extend yet another heartfelt “THANK YOU” for an outstanding tour visit on Thursday (Sept 14). You went above and beyond the level of hospitality that we all know our county offices often extend to guests on a regular basis. However, what you demonstrated to the UK colleagues of the Engagement Academy is beyond words.

I know it took time away from your busy day, but please know that you left a lasting impression on those participants who are Extension professionals, and particularly those who were just learning more about our organization last week. 

I took a quick look at the feedback from a survey I sent to participants and the accolades seem endless! The tours of the county site visits received excellent ratings and remarks.

Thanks for all that you do and for taking time to show the true reach of Land-grant Engagement!”