FOCUS ON FACULTY:
- We are in the process of welcoming six new CEDs to our administrative team ( Darcy Dixon , Santa Cruz; Juanita Waits , Navajo; Kurt Nolte , Yuma; Bill Brandau , Graham; Melvina Adolf , Greenlee; and Maricopa County). I very much appreciate the role that Cynthia Flynn has provided as interim CED in Maricopa County. I think she has done an excellent job. Because of her skills and experience, I am asking Cynthia Flynn to become Special Assistant to the Director for Administrative Leadership. This is a part-time position to help mentor new CEDs and new administrative staff. Cynthia will remain CED for Pima County.
- Dave Kopec was awarded the Distinguished Service Award and Jack Kelly received the Achievement Award at the 92nd Annual National Association of County Agricultural Agents (NACAA) Conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan on July 19. In addition, Jack Kelly and Mary Olsen received a National Finalist Award for their publication Problems and Pests of Agave, Aloe, Cactus and Yucca and Jack Kelly and Ursula Schuch received an award as a regional winner in the Computer Generated Graphics category for their CD on Selecting, Planting and Staking Trees. Congratulations to all.
NEW BLOGGING WEB SITE:
In response to requests from faculty and staff to learn more about blogs, Sheila Merrigan has created a blog in which all ACE faculty and staff may participate. The blog is not open to the public, so it is a good place to practice blogging. To access the blog, go to http://blog.ltc.arizona.edu/ACEdownunder/ and enter your UA Net I.D. and password. Come and learn about blogging ... or if you are already a blogger, enter your comments, advice and tips in the blog. Questions or problems, contact Sheila Merrigan.
CHANGE AGENT STATES FOR DIVERSITY REPORT:
On September 2006, our five-year Change Agents States for Diversity (CASD) grant ($300K) from the Fund for Rural America was completed. Progress has been good in all 15 participating states, beginning with Shirley O'Brien's leadership when the grant began in October 2001 and continuing with Billye Foster's and Jim Christenson's leadership. Two climate surveys were taken within the college and we hope to continue the mission of the grant through other college diversity activities. Highlights from all state reports can be found at http://www.casd.cornell.edu/FFRA_state_reports.htm. Arizonas full report is available at http://cals.arizona.edu/extension/download/Final_Project_Report_2007.pdf.
UPCOMING EVENTS & DEADLINES:
- The SmartScape Program is hosting a 6-series informative half-hour television show through Tucson Access Television's program, Tucson Vision. Water conservation topics including local and statewide efforts (June), Xeriscape Turf and Drip Irrigation (July), and Water Quality and Rain Water Harvesting (August), will be presented by UA Extension and SmartScape/WaterSmart Instructors. Running June 9 through August 23 , these cable television programs will air on Saturdays at 5:30pm and Thursdays at 7:30pm on Access Tucson Channels (99/Cox and 74/Comcast). A full list of programs and dates are provided on the SmartScape website at http://www.ag.arizona.edu/pima/smartscape. For questions or more information, contact Kathryn Hahne, SmartScape Program Coordinator (520.626.5161).