Kansas State University

Kansas 4-H Prioritization Update

Submitted by Wade Weber

Friends,

As a result of the Program Fee Prioritization Survey conducted last fall and the engagement of Extension professionals through 4-H Reboot sessions, I am writing to communicate a change and process that is happening in response to the Kansas 4-H prioritization process.

The following areas were clearly identified for project enhancements moving forward:

•  Identify FCS project support.  Focus on further clarifying, developing and strengthening Foods and Nutrition, Health and Wellness, and Clothing and Textiles
•  Connect 4-H to the system-wide Extension focus on Health

As a result, I am informing the Kansas 4-H Youth Development system of a change in FCS programming structure to help Kansas 4-H achieve our shared mission.  I am writing today to clarify the next steps that I am authorizing.

1. Kansas 4-H is moving forward with a more structured and active partnership with Extension professionals within the Food Science Institute and Department of Food, Nutrition, Dietetics and Health (Karen Blakeslee and Tanda Kidd are both committed to this renewed partnership and a deepening of the 4-H investment in this program area.)
   
   
2. I have agreed to support a graduate student position for the next two academic years up to 20 hours a week to work in this Food and Nutrition partnership increasing our overall departmental investment in these areas. The position will be housed within Umberger.
   
   
3. I have decided to not renew the present FCS liaison arrangement when it expires on September 30.
   
   

I met with Andrea Feldkamp in June to assess the present state of FCS liaison work. I appreciate her work with the FCS judging contest at the Kansas State Fair and her being a liaison to the College of Human Ecology. I have been thankful for her leadership and advocacy.

But for the sake of the program’s future, change is needed.  I believe the present 4-H FCS Liaison arrangement was not structured to provide an adequate amount of time needed for proper program leadership and refinement (especially in light of the prioritization process). This was not to say that Andrea did not do an admirable job in light of the situation she was asked to lead in. So in order to honor Andrea’s investment and leadership for this programming year with FCS judging in particular, I have contracted with her to provide leadership and help in transition from August through September 30, 2018. I have talked through this plan with Andrea and she has agreed to assist this new hire in orientation and helping them understand and navigate the current Kansas 4-H system through September 30.

Please see the job description and timetable.  We are moving forward quickly and your advocacy to potential candidates is requested and valuable.  The position will be open until filled.

Thanks you for your support and advocacy towards growing our program impact across Kansas 4-H!

Wade