For over a century, University of Maryland Extension (UME) has delivered the most relevant, science-based information on agriculture, health and nutrition, environmental stewardship, and youth development, to the citizens of Maryland, fostering lifelong learning across all 23 counties and Baltimore City.
Continuing that tradition of serving the state, UME has released its new five-year strategic plan, designed to lead UME in addressing the pressing challenges facing Maryland today. The strategic plan highlights the guiding principles for faculty and staff in the counties, the research centers, and on the College Park campus, to create collaborative partnerships within Maryland and beyond to integrate agriculture, food, and health, promote environmental stewardship, and empower Marylanders through lifelong learning. UME will conduct a comprehensive review of current programs to identify initiatives aligned with these focus areas, addressing gaps in information.
The strategic plan also outlines the expansion of reach and visibility of UME to help provide citizens with regionally-specific solutions, including fostering meaningful partnerships with state and local entities, creating a culture of collaboration across the state. This will result in an inventory of existing partnerships for a shared database that will serve as the foundation for strategic alliances, creating new ways to reach the audiences we serve.
To do this work, UME relies on the talent of the faculty and staff dedicated to creating these impactful community programs and connections. The strategic plan provides a structure to support and sustain the personnel who are essential to implementing the programs that help our communities, including leadership development, streamlining systems, and developing the tools and resources necessary to serve the state.
“The new strategic plan will help our team to navigate the ever-changing dynamics of Maryland’s environment and communities to provide current, research-based solutions,” said Associate Dean and Director of UME Jinhee Kim. “This strategic plan is the result of a process focused on listening and learning with our entire community, and it reflects the energy, care and expertise of many dedicated individuals across our organization and our state. The development of this plan was a collaborative and inclusive effort, reflecting the voices of those we serve and those who power our work.”
To explore the full details of the UME Strategic Plan, go to https://extension.umd.edu/about/extension-impact/strategic-plan/.