Knowledge in Action: The University of Missouri's Extension Network

Abstract

This article reviews how the University of Missouri organized in the 1970s to be a readily available knowledge resource to all the citizens and institutions of the state. The goal was to enhance individual and institutional capacity to solve problems and achieve goals, including economic development. To accomplish this mission, the University placed many academic activities in a single unit, the Extension Division. Leadership for the Extension Division was part of the central University administrative staff. A critical decision was that the outreach work would be part of the regular academic program and that extension personnel would be part of the regular faculty. Every school and college of the four-campus system came to be involved in some way in the extension mission. The two major thrusts are the traditional continuing education of professionals and problem solving. In addition to campus-based faculty with continuing and ad hoc extension assignments, there is a field staff of some 400 persons located in offices in every county. The program has been rated as effective, particularly in rural areas where there is a dearth of expertise and organizations.