September 2024

Dr. Shelly Nickols-Richardson
Associate Dean and Director of Extension

Lifelong Learning. Lifelong Impact. University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state’s land grant institution. 

September marks the launch of our 2024-2034 University of Illinois Strategic Plan. Our mission — as stated above — is critical to our university’s overarching mission of research, teaching, and public engagement for the residents of Illinois and beyond. Throughout the fall, you will be invited to a number of integration workshops to be hosted and led by our assistant directors for regions and other Extension leaders to learn about, create, and develop your work unit’s connection with our strategic priorities and signature initiatives as well as engage in updates about implementation and progress of our plan. Make every effort to join in and continue to be part of our process and growth. 

You may have noticed exciting and inviting posters in your office spaces that communicate our updated mission and core values of collaboration, credibility, inclusivity, and learning. As we carry out our mission, we will prioritize Community, Economy, Environment, Food and Agriculture, Health, Partnerships, Technology and Discovery, and Workforce Excellence. Signature initiatives will focus our work within these priorities as we continue to organize and integrate across our six program areas of 4-H Youth Development; Agriculture and Agribusiness; Community and Economic Development; Family and Consumer Sciences; Integrated Health Disparities; and Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy, underscored by Program Planning and Assessment, along with our core operational services that include Advancement and Development; Budget and Finance; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access; Government Relations; Information Technology; Marketing and Communications; Strategy, Planning, and Implementation; and Workforce Development. You are essential to our strategic plan, and every person and position within Extension is critical to achieving our mission and being of service to others.   

This is an innovative strategic plan, one that will be ever-changing and evolving as we reach our goals and then tackle new issues to meet emerging needs of Illinois residents. J.M. Keynes stated, “There is no reason why we should not feel ourselves free to be bold, to be open, to experiment, to take action, to try the possibilities of things.” We are on a mission of Lifelong Learning. Lifelong Impact.     

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