Dear Extension Family,
I encouraged relentless optimism in my December letter as we headed into a new year. So much has changed for the better in our communities across the state since last year. What a difference a year can make. I can sense a new level of energy across Extension, and it stems from the improved confidence we have in our abilities. It is easier these days to take a step back to reflect upon how we achieved so much because we were challenged in a grossly unexpected way.
That is why there has never been a better time to take advantage of the momentum and introduce the Extension Innovation Awards. Your ideas for projects within the categories of innovation, service, and applied research can propel us to new levels of dynamic programming. A successful proposal identifies an emerging need of a broad audience and includes cross-team collaboration and hybrid delivery methods to ensure messaging relevancy across diverse audience segments. Do not miss this opportunity to share your vision. Proposals must be submitted by noon on March 15, and additional details are provided in the Request for Proposals summary document.
It is that time of year again for the state budget process. Please visit the budget priorities website to review the FY 2022-23 recurring and nonrecurring requests made by Clemson PSA. Meanwhile, get ready for avid displays of orange coloring the State House steps over the next month as we celebrate SC FFA Legislators Appreciation Day on February 23, SC 4-H Legislative Day on March 8, and Clemson Day in early March.
It’s very uplifting to know that we have already welcomed several new team members to our program teams and offices over the past month. We are keeping a list of our most recent hires on our Blog post. Please take the time to reach out and welcome these folks. Additionally, the search for a new Associate Dean of Academic Affairs for the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences (CAFLS) is well underway.
We have a new proposal in the works for a social media summit webinar for Cooperative Extension. The purpose is to provide education and guidance on Clemson University’s social media policy and best practices. We will share more information about the date and agenda soon. University Relations compiled a comprehensive Social Media Guidelines handbook. I ask that anyone who coordinates social media activities for their program, team, or office review the guidebook carefully. There is crucial information about the mandatory request process for creating new accounts, ADA compliance for accessibility purposes, branding, best practices, and more.
People tend to share intriguing stories with me that make a connection to the passion of our mission. Please take a quick read of this story on the Discovery of America website that puts an old ear of corn in the spotlight. In closing, the weather report indicates that February’s weather will keep us belted into a mercurial temperature ride, rocketing us back and forth into freezing temperatures at a whim. However, I hope the signs of spring boldly emerging from the ground have caught your fancy. Daffodils are the silver lining of February.
As always, please take good care of yourselves and your families, and thank you for what you do for Clemson Cooperative Extension.
Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.
