Success StoryProviding New State Extension Professionals with Resources for Success



Providing New State Extension Professionals with Resources for Success

Author: Kenneth Jones

Planning Unit: Program and Staff Development

Major Program: Staff Development

Outcome: Initial Outcome

Kentucky Extension has hosted a rigorous on-boarding process for county agents, which includes an orientation as well as core training sessions. The purpose is to ensure that county staff are able to acquire the tools necessary to hit the ground running, thus gaining success in their new roles. However, there has been no formal comparable process for state Extension associates and specialists. In the past, the Director of Program & Staff Development would meet one-on-one with individuals as they began employment. In last August (2020), a formal orientation was provided to new Extension specialists and associates. Over 20 Extension professionals joined via zoom to learn about the history of Extension, program development processes, the role of state staff/faculty in making an impact, reporting and accountability, Extension publications and handling legal issues. All in attendance expressed their appreciation for this event. Although it was geared toward new agents, there were a few seasoned Extension faculty who joined just to learn about new administrative updates. All indicated that they learned more about their roles as state-level staff/Extension faculty and ways to better serve the commonwealth of Kentucky. A second annual orientation is being planned for 2021 and follow up with take place with individuals to see how last year’s orientation increased their reporting efforts.






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