Extension State Advisory Council Minutes
The meeting covered several key updates and discussions, including personnel changes within the College and Extension due to retirements and new hires for key leadership roles in Agriculture & Agribusiness, Natural Resources, Environment and Energy, and the Integrated Health Disparities program. Organizational review models are being developed, and there was an update on the groundbreaking for the Doris Kelly Christopher Extension Center, anticipated to open in 2024 or early 2025. Financial updates highlighted stable funding streams, leverage opportunities due to state funding receipt, and investment in new faculty start-up, central unit support, and collaboration grants. Discussions also focused on off-target herbicide movement, particularly Dicamba drift, emphasizing the need for increased education via Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists. Updates were provided on Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) strategic intent focusing on food, family, finance, and health, with significant work in delivering online sessions due to the pandemic and addressing food insecurity. The 4-H Youth Development segment reported returning to in-person activities, focusing on DEIA strategy, and launching a new Alumni Manager role. Census data was presented, highlighting population changes and diversity shifts in Illinois. IT updates included the migration to Moodle and preparing for MS Teams transition, while Communications reported increased press releases and social media reach. The Chair noted plans for ESAC members to engage with legislators during Springfield drop-in days.