Business Visit: University of Illinois Extension - AJMPU Unit

This morning, board member and program investor Jody Johnson invited our group to the Vienna Extension Office in Vienna, Illinois for an engaging and informative business visit. After a fun icebreaker to start the day, Jody shared his professional journey to becoming the Regional Director over Extension in Alexander, Johnson, Massac, Pulaski, and Union counties.

Students learned about the history, structure, services, and funding of University of Illinois Extension, an outreach arm of the University of Illinois and part of the land-grant university system. Extension plays a vital role in bringing university research directly to communities through practical education and programming. These services include agriculture and natural resources support, 4-H youth development, community and economic development, nutrition and wellness education, horticulture programs, and much more—often provided at no cost or low cost to the public. Funding for Extension is made possible through a partnership of federal, state, and local resources, allowing communities to benefit from research-based knowledge close to home.

Jody shared that his favorite part of his role is helping people, which truly reflects the mission of Extension—connecting individuals and communities with the resources they need to grow and succeed. We are grateful for the opportunity to learn more about this impactful organization and the many ways it serves our region.

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