University of Florida

Extension Goals

These are the current goals of UF/IFAS Extension and the Extension Administration Office.

For additional information about the goal and focus areas and for Extension faculty and staff contact information, please visit the PDEC Hierarchy page.

Statewide Goals & Focus Areas

The following represent UF/IFAS Extension's statewide goals and focus areas for 2008 - 2012.

Goal I. Agriculture, Natural Resource and Food Systems

Enhance and maintain agricultural, natural resource, and food systems.

Focus Areas

  1. Agricultural and Natural Resource Profitability and the Sustainable Use of Environmental Resources

    Commodity Focus Areas
    Agronomic Row Crops
    Animal Sciences and Forages
    Aquaculture
    Citrus
    Forestry
    Fruits and Vegetables
    Ornamentals and Turf
    Small Farms and Alternative Enterprises
    Sugarcane and Rice

  2. Awareness of Agriculture's and Natural Resources' Importance to an Economy that Ranges from Local to Global
  3. Processing, Distribution, Safety, and Security of Food Systems
  4. Protecting Florida from Existing and Emerging Pests and Diseases
  5. Bio-energy - Sustaining and Fueling Florida

Goal II. Florida's Environment

Maintain, conserve, and enhance Florida's natural environment.

Focus Areas

  1. Water Resources
  2. Sustainable Use of Freshwater and Terestrial Ecosystems
  3. Environmental Education
  4. Sustainable Use of Coastal and Marine Ecosytems
  5. Climate Change: Mitigation and Adaptation

Goal III. Youth Development

Develop responsible and productive youth through 4-H and other youth programs.

Focus Areas

  1. Life Skills Developed in Youth through Subject Matter Experiences
  2. Organizational Strategies and Learning Environments to Youth Programs
  3. Volunteer Development and Systems to Support Youth

Goal IV. Sustainable Landscapes

Create and maintain resource efficient landscapes--the smart way to grow.

Focus Areas

  1. Commercial Horticulture / Urban Forestry Services
  2. Residential Landscapes including Florida Yards and Neighborhoods (FYN)

Goal V. Individual & Family Development

Promote individual, family, and community economic well-being and economic security.

Focus Areas

  1. Personal and Family Well-being
  2. Personal Financial Education
  3. Health, Nutrition, and Food Safety
  4. Sustainable Housing and Home Environment
  5. Sustainable Organizations and Communities

Goal VI. Sustainable Living

Maintain, enhance, and establish sustainable communities.

Focus Areas

  1. Growth Management and Land Use Policy
  2. Citizen Engagement to Build Active Communities
  3. Economic Development
  4. Leadership Development
  5. Water and Energy Resource Efficiency

Goal VII. Professional Development

Promote professional development to enhance organizational efficiency and effectiveness.

Focus Areas

  1. Program Development, Implementation, and Evaluation
  2. Faculty Orientation and Career Training
  3. Effective Communication and Technology Use
  4. Personal and Organizational Health
  5. Administration and Leadership

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Extension Administration Goals

The following represent UF/IFAS Extension Administration's goals for 2007 - 2008.

  1. Improve internal and external communications
    • Leader:  Ashley Wood, Director, IFAS Communication Services
    • Members: 

      John Baldwin, Northeast District Extension Director
      Cheri Brodeur, Extension Program Leader, PDEC
      Dan Cromer, Acting Director, IFAS Information Technology
      Damon Miller, FAMU, Youth Development

  2. Provide quality training to teams in the following areas: Team building, leadership and management; Program planning and evaluation; Teaching effectiveness and curriculum design; Grant writing and ways of seeking additional funds; Use of technology to support team communication; Use of technology in program planning; Annual Retreat
    • Leader:  Cheri Brodeur, Extension Program Leader, PDEC
    • Members: 

      Lawrence Carter, FAMU Associate Dean, Cooperative Extension & Outreach
      Dan Cromer, Acting Director, IFAS Information Technology
      Millie Ferrer, Associate Dean & Assistant Director, Florida Cooperative Extension
      Jodie Gentry, Associate Director for Training & Development, Human Resources
      Pierce Jones, Extension Program Leader, Energy Extension Service
      Cheri Brodeur, Extension Program Leader, PDEC
      Charlie Vavrina, South Central District Extension Director

  3. Align F/T activities and products with tenure and promotion requirements
    • Leader:  Joe Schaefer, South District Extension Director
    • Members:

      Joan Dusky, Associate Dean, Agricultural Programs
      Millie Ferrer, Associate Dean & Assistant Director, Florida Cooperative Extension
      Dale McPherson, Coordinator, Administrative Services
      Mary Anne Morgan, Director, IFAS Human Resources
      Bryan Terry, Coordinator, PDEC Statistical Research
      IFAS Unit Leaders

  4. Establish a significant reward system for effective and successful focus teams
    • Leader:  Pete Vergot, Northwest District Extension Director
    • Members: 

      Freddie Johnson, Central District Extension Director
      Nayda Torres, Extension Program Leader, Family and Consumer Sciences
      Dale McPherson, Coordinator, Administrative Services
      Mary Anne Morgan, Director, IFAS Human Resources
      Bryan Terry, Coordinator, PDEC Statistical Research

  5. Develop a sustainable and inclusive team structure
    • Leader: Mike Spranger, Associate Dean for Extension, Environmental & Natural Resources
    • Members:

      Larry Arrington, Dean and Director, Florida Cooperative Extension Service
      Joan Dusky, Associate Dean for Extension, Agricultural Programs
      Marilyn Norman, Associate Dean for Extension, 4-H Development
      Cheri Brodeur, Extension Program Leader, PDEC

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