NACDEP Newsletter                                                                                    Winter  Edition

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2025 NACDEP Winter Newsletter

From The Editor

Colleagues: Greetings and welcome to the winter edition of the NACDEP newsletter 2025.  I hope that everyone’s new year is off to a great start.  We certainly had a very exciting 2024.  The highlight for many members was the conference in Houston.  Now as we turn the page, it is time to start thinking about Charleston, West Virginia, and the conference coming there in June. 

We are already past the deadline for submissions to the conference, but remember, if you have something you wish to share with the membership, the newsletter could be a great choice.  Our spring issue comes out in April, and that will be the last issue before the conference.

As you will be able to see by scrolling down here through the current issue, a lot of members have taken advantage of this platform to describe their activities and events.  I think you will enjoy the content we have.  Remember if you would like to discuss the newsletter with me, you should feel free to get in touch at [email protected] or phone me at 330-466-7877.  And now, the winter newsletter!

Thomas W. Blaine, PhD
Associate Professor
Ohio State University Extension
NACDEP Newsletter Editor

President's Column

Submitted by Michelle Eley
Cooperative Extension at N.C. A&T State University
NACDEP President

NACDEP Colleagues,

Greetings to all of you.  I hope you were able to accomplish your goals in 2024 and beginning to set your intentions for 2025.  I believe that we will have to navigate change as well as opportunity more than ever. While nothing is more constant than change, the diverse audiences we serve through our Extension program may look to us to continue providing technical support and guidance around building the skills they need to navigate the change they want to see and seize opportunities to take action to enhance the social and economic wellbeing of their communities. I applaud you as you continue to empower individuals, groups, and communities through practical education, whether in leadership or organizational development, food systems, housing, business retention and expansion, local government education, land use planning, and much more. 
This Tuesday, we had an informative but purposeful NACDEP New Year session. Ninety five participants joined us virtually as we highlighted the importance of being and staying connected and advancing our visibility of the work we are engaged in community economic development. We received a "sneak peek" of upcoming conference plans in Charleston, WV, and essential tips for submitting conference proposals and awards nominations. If that were not enough, we had the choice to be a part of two professional development skill sessions:  Leadership via Mentoring (with Dr. Brian Raison) and Community Development in Practice (presented by the Community Development 101 training team, coordinated by Dr. Hunter Goodman, Dr. Charlie French, Dr. Sreedhar Upendram, Patti Schmidt, and Grace Langford).  Much gratitude is given to Past President, Crystal Tyler-Mackey and the dynamic planning committee who contributed and helped organized this session for the entire body.

Please remember that the  Extension Leadership Conference will be held in Savannah on February 19-20 and on April 7-8, the Public Issues Leadership Development Conference will be in Arlington, VA. As an association partner of JCEP, a handful of board members are preparing to attend and I hope some of you will be able to participate in one of these events as well. Please stay tuned to our website to register for the 2025 NACDEP Conference in the coming weeks, with opportunities to share, learn, and connect.

Please do not procrastinate until January 27 to submit your session abstract for NACDEP. So many of you are doing great work.  Please consider nominating yourself and other members for one of the NACDEP awards by February 18. 

I hope you enjoy reading this edition of the newsletter. 

Happy New year NACDEP!

Submitted by Adam Hodges
Former NACDEP President
West Virginia State University

My name is Adam Hodges and I work for West Virginia State University Extension as Community Vitality and Economic Development Program Leader. I have the pleasure of co-hosting the 2025 NACDEP Conference in Charleston, West Virginia along with my friend Michael Dougherty from West Virginia University Extension. We have been working alongside Conference Co-Chair Jaime Menon and our team to put together an incredible experience for you in Charleston from June 9-12. 

We are sure that this year’s conference will be one to remember! A little bit about our location. Charleston is the capital city of West Virginia with about 47,000 residents. Throughout its history it has been one of the most diverse cities in West Virginia as evidenced by our 1890 Land Grant and HBCU at nearby Institute. Many people are surprised to hear that Booker T Washington’s boyhood home was in nearby Malden at the edge of the city.

In recent years Charleston has seen growth in arts and culture, has seen significant urban redevelopment, but still faces many of the same challenges as larger cities. Charleston is a city in transition as new younger residents and investors look for ways to make lives and businesses in a post-industrial economy.

Charleston’s location in south-central West Virginia makes it a one-day drive (10 hours) from one-third of US residents and two-thirds of Canada. If you aren’t one of those lucky ones, Charleston (CRW) boasts Yeager International Airport that is named in honor of native West Virginian Brigadier General Chuck Yeager who was the first person to break the sound barrier. In addition, our hotel has a shuttle to take our attendees to and from the airport.

Our conference hotel is Embassy Suites and we have negotiated a very reasonable 149.00 dollar a night rate. As an Embassy Suites, all the rooms are two room suites and there is a complimentary two drink happy hour at the hotel bar!

The conference hotel is in walking distance to a number of local restaurants and other amenities on nearby Capitol Street and our Hospitality Committee is planning an opening reception at the WVSU Downtown Center in the heart of this district so you will have a chance to experience this fun vibrant area on your first night in West Virginia!

See you in Charleston in June!

News from Utah State University Extension

Breaking barriers to AI Adoption Through Community Partnerships

Paul Hill, Ph.D.
Lendel Narine, Ph.D.
Utah State University Extension

The AI Training Series in Washington County, Utah, brought together Utah State University Extension, Dixie Technical College, and Zonos, a software company, to deliver foundational training on generative artificial intelligence. Published in the Journal of Human Sciences and Extension, the research highlights how participants explored AI’s potential applications but faced challenges in applying the technology due to its complexity and limited hands-on practice.

While most attendees appreciated the program’s information and structure, their intentions to use AI remained limited, reflecting barriers to adoption. Feedback emphasized the need for more interactive, practical, and personalized approaches to improve learning outcomes. By aligning educational content with workforce needs and industry engagement, the program provides a model for addressing skill gaps in emerging technologies. These findings inform future efforts to help communities confidently integrate AI into personal and professional contexts.

Driving Economic Progress: How the “What’s Up Down South” Summit Adapts to Business Community Needs

Paul Hill, Ph.D.
Utah State University Extension

The “What’s Up Down South” Economic Summit is southern Utah’s largest business gathering, designed to provide community leaders with economic insights and tools necessary for business planning and decision-making. In 2024, the summit brought together 807 attendees from across the region for a day of keynote speeches, breakout sessions, and networking opportunities. Utah State University (USU) Extension played a pivotal role in designing, planning, and evaluating the event, ensuring it met the evolving needs of participants. Attendee feedback from previous years shaped key improvements, including diversified content, better logistical arrangements, and expanded accessibility. Published in Outcomes & Impacts Quarterly, evaluation results showed strong satisfaction with the summit, with keynote presentations rated highly for content quality, relevance, and speaker effectiveness.

Attendees praised the summit’s value but called for greater networking opportunities, session recordings, and a broader range of topics to meet diverse professional needs. The planning committee’s responsiveness to feedback resulted in significant improvements, reflected in increased attendance and sponsorships totaling $197,000. Looking ahead, USU Extension and other event organizers plan to expand the event’s capacity to accommodate growing demand while refining its offerings. This evaluation demonstrates how integrating community input, with USU Extension’s guidance, can elevate a program’s impact, making the summit a cornerstone for economic development and professional growth in southern Utah.

Join University of Minnesota Extension Community Members for a Monthly Webinar Series on Research Based Topics of the Day

Submitted by Isabel Huot-Link ([email protected]) & Kim Guenther ([email protected]) 
University of Minnesota Extension, Department of Community Development

University of Minnesota Extension’s Department of Community Development has launched a virtual webinar series called Breakfast Info Bites: Wednesday Morning Research Nuggets.

Once a month on Wednesday, start your day with a bite-sized nugget of cutting-edge research. Faculty and alumni from the University of Minnesota system share highlights from their research. Their work covers a broad range of current issues that support efforts to strengthen and engage communities.

Visit Extension’s website for more information about upcoming dates and topics. Recordings of past webinars are also available on topics such as “What does it mean to be Two-Spirit?” and “Navigating conflict on public issues.”

Sign up here to receive email updates about future virtual events on timely topics from the University of Minnesota Extension Department of Community Development.

Nominate Yourself or a Colleague for a NACDEP Award

Submitted by Eric Walcott
Michigan State University Extension
Recognition Committee

Nominations for NACDEP Awards are being accepted now through February 18, 2025. But don’t wait, nominate yourself or a colleague today and skip the last-minute scramble to get your submission in!

Award descriptions and application procedures are available at: https://www.nacdep.net/awards 

Award nominations are not only a great way to recognize excellent work NACDEP members are doing, it’s also a great way to share your work with others in Extension around the country. Every year I come home from NACDEP with ideas for new programs, or things to add to existing programs based on what I learn from award winners at the conference. So nominate your program for an award so that you can be recognized, but also so others can learn from you!

This year, all application materials will be submitted through a Qualtrics survey, helping ensure that each nomination meets formatting guidelines, which helps support successful nominations and simplifies the review process.

Whether it's you or your talented colleagues making a difference in Cooperative Extension, now is the time to start thinking about recognizing and celebrating the great work happening across the country. 

Check out this video for a quick overview of how to submit your award nomination and visit nacdep.net/awards to get started! Nominations are due by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on February 18. 

Let's celebrate excellence, innovation, and dedication in our field. Your participation is key to honoring the outstanding work happening across Extension programs. 

Click here to nominate yourself or a colleague for a NACDEP Award! 

NACDEP 2026 National Conference - Wichita, KS: Call for Volunteers

Submitted by Jan Steen
Kansas State University Extension

K-State Research and Extension and the Kansas Association of Community Development Extension Professionals (KACDEP) will be hosting the National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals conference in Wichita, KS June 15 - 18, 2026. We’re excited for this opportunity to bring professional development sessions and extension educators from around the country to Kansas!

We’ll be starting to form committees and meet early in 2025 – speakers, publicity, hospitality, mobile workshops, sessions, and more – and we could use your help! Below is a link to the NACDEP 2026 Committee Interest form where you can see a summary of each committee and sign up to volunteer to be a part of one or more of those committees. We welcome anyone in NACDEP who is interested in making this a great event to share their time and talents. We’re looking forward to working with you!

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1xDr5nOoKHTjQ2qF4h9Ch53sEs7OuTIcwT1TNlExlq7E

Join the National Extension Tourism NETwork at the 2025 NETtra Conference "Connecting Through Tourism" 

Meredith, New Hampshire October 7-10, 2025

Tourism is all about making connections – between people, places, cultures, and time. The 2025 NETtra Conference will connect two organizations comprised of tourism researchers, educators, and practitioners in a first-time collaboration between the Northeast Chapter of the Travel and Tourism Research Association (NETTRA) and the National Extension Tourism (NET) Network, hosted by the University of New Hampshire. 

We will be at the beautiful Mill Falls at the Lake resort, on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, just steps away from the historic village of Meredith. This setting will provide ample opportunities for place-based explorations into themes such as outdoor recreation, tourism seasonality, agritourism, rural development, historic preservation, and more. ​If you're interested in tourism research or applied projects, then this conference is for you! Visit the conference website for more information and upcoming announcements.

Submitted by: Ann Savage, Tourism Extension Associate, NC State University, National Extension Tourism Vice Chair

Jada Lindblom, Field Specialist, Community & Economic Development, Belknap County, University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, NETtra Conference Lead

Xinyi Qian, Director University of Minnesota Tourism Center, National Extension Tourism Chair

Epsilon Sigma Phi 2025 Conference in Fort Worth

Submitted by Paul Roback
University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension

Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP) is accepting proposals from members for the 2025 National ESP Conference that will be held in Fort Worth, TX on October 6-9, 2025, and for the online Webinar Series.

If you would like to present a workshop, poster, ignite session or online webinar, proposals are due by March 1, 2025. If you are not a member, please consider joining ESP today! For additional information contact Paul Roback ([email protected]), ESP Professional Development Chair.

DEI in CD Drop-In Conversations Continue in 2025

Submitted by Lisa Hinz, DEI committee co-lead, (Minnesota) 
with Amber Twitty (Central State) and Jose Valtierra (Purdue)

In 2024, the NACDEP DEI committee launched DEI in CD drop-in conversations. Based on the active participation from this past year, Friday, February 28th will mark the start of the 2025 series, continuing bi-monthly throughout the year. We meet midday at 1 p.m. EDT, 12 pm CDT, 11 am MDT, and 10 am PDT.

The 45-minute conversations offer members an easy way to join a dialogue with colleagues where the focus is equity, diversity, and inclusion and how we bring these into practice through our Extension work. They are hosted by Lisa Hinz (MN) and Amber Twitty (OH).

All members are welcome, so if you're interested, watch for the email with the weblink to the Zoom room during the week of February 28th.  We look forward to a large turnout!

A NACDEP Communication Committee Members Needed & Join your Association on Social Media

Submitted by Gwynn Stewart, MS
Ohio State University Extension

NACDEP is an organization dedicated to improving the visibility, coordination, professional status and resource base of community and economic development Extension programs and professionals. As a member-led and driven organization, primary to helping meet this mission is the NACDEP Communications Committee (Com Com).

The NACDEP Communications Committee is recruiting new members! Come join this energetic group who helps to ensure members are aware and informed of association news and activities. We do this via listserv emails, the quarterly newsletter, events and social media. We meet via Zoom as needed.

Com Com also wants members and others to better understand the Association’s use of social media such as Facebook, LinkedIn and X (previously Twitter) and online platforms like YouTube, in communicating and reaching out on pertinent topics and events. 

The Com Com team is responsible for a variety of activities including coordination of the NACDEP platforms and social media sites (Facebook, X, YouTube and LinkedIn). In addition, Com Com works in partnership with the Marketing and Membership committees, as well as the Annual Conference committee to integrate promotion efforts. 

To fully implement Com Com tactical strategy efforts, members find a need for greater flow of information from individual members and organizations.

You can help us by: 

Joining NACDEP on social media and inviting your university NACDEP colleagues to join when you don’t see them!

• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/NACDEP/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/groups/5119375/
• X - https://twitter.com/NACDEP 
• YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6jgLtvNTItp0ucgmrw4XPA 

We love it when you provide photos or other images that represent the work you do for Extension in Community Vitality or Development through these channels. 

Sharing your upcoming events, job opportunities and more is easy. If you are a member, you can simply post to the LinkedIn channel directly. 

If you’re on X, be sure to like or retweet to share the news. For Annual Conference, we encourage you to share and post ideas, photos, etc.

The beauty of NACDEP is the engagement that allows for partnerships, sharing of best practices, research and more! We invite you to like, follow, share, invite and learn through NACDEP Social media tools! 

Questions? Contact Gwynn Stewart, Assistant Professor, Community Development at Ohio State University Extension – at [email protected].

A Design Certificate (PCD)! Immerse Yourself in a Hybrid Experience of Online Sessions in April Culminating in a Week Long In-Person Course Held in MOAB, Utah, May 19-25

Submitted by Jake Powell
Utah State University Extension

This PDC will guide participants in understanding and communicating permaculture, assessing system conditions, and applying permaculture practices through interactive design and hands-on activities. The course culminates with a globally recognized certificate in permaculture design, certified through the Permaculture Institute, Inc. This course is designed for accessibility with a cost of $1,500 including breakfast, dinner, sack lunches during fieldtrip days, and lodging. 

To register use this Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1096779820969?aff=oddtdtcreator

An early bird discount of $250 is available with the code early bird if you register by March 7, 2025. Limited scholarships are also available based on economic income, upon request. For event details or to ask questions, reach out to Dr. Roslynn McCann ([email protected]). We look forward to seeing you in Moab!

Extension CRD Team Becomes Pioneers in Entrepreneurship Education

Submitted by Terence Norwood
Alabama Cooperative Extension System
Alabama A&M University

ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY, Ala. — In an era where economic self-sufficiency is paramount, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s Community Resource Development (CRD) team at Alabama A&M University (AAMU) has emerged as a trailblazer in entrepreneurship education. They are the first Cooperative Extension team in the nation to become certified entrepreneurship educators through the Council on Adult Basic Education (COABE), a national organization dedicated to advancing adult education and lifelong learning. This achievement not only sets a precedent for other Extension teams but also reinforces the importance of entrepreneurship in community development.

Terence Norwood, an Alabama Extension community and economic development specialist, and Urban Regional Extension Agents Juani Macias-Christian and Jon Jacobson completed all certification requirements. Marisa Hawkins, the CRD team coordinator at AAMU, will complete the certification this spring.

"Our team is experienced in community and individual-level entrepreneurship education," Norwood said. "This certification helped our team grow professionally but also strongly aligns with our approach to meeting the needs of individuals, communities and Alabama’s economy."

This certification is through COABE's Online Entrepreneurship Institute. The institute aims to equip educators with the skills necessary to teach entrepreneurship effectively, ensuring learners are prepared to navigate the complexities of starting and running a business.

Impactful Approach

The Alabama Extension at AAMU CRD team is pivotal in equipping communities with the tools and knowledge necessary for economic growth and sustainability. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families by fostering entrepreneurship, workforce and leadership development. Through a multifaceted approach, the team offers educational programs, workshops and resources that empower people in Alabama communities. From urban streets to country roads, the team helps people realize their entrepreneurial aspirations. The most significant impacts are often seen in traditionally underserved and minority communities.

“It is important that the CRD team members at AAMU are credentialed and certified in their disciplines," said Jennifer Wells-Marshall, Extension associate director at AAMU. "I am happy to see our CRD team not only achieve that goal but also set the standard for Extension throughout the nation."

The CRD team sought the COABE certification because they recognized the pressing need for more effective entrepreneurship education. Attaining the certification signifies a commitment to high-quality educational practices and positions the team as leaders in the field. As certified entrepreneurship educators, the team is dedicated to delivering comprehensive and impactful training to diverse populations.

“The COABE Online Entrepreneurial Institute program was extremely beneficial to how I research, develop and implement my entrepreneurial classes," Jacobson said. "The amount of research materials, videos and practice assignments was extraordinary. I have used many of these resources to implement my upcoming programs."

Innovation and Resilience

This certification is a milestone for the team and a significant advancement in adult education and community development in the state. By prioritizing entrepreneurship education, the CRD team fosters a culture of innovation and resilience within Alabama and beyond. Through these programs, individuals gain valuable skills that empower them to start businesses, create jobs, and contribute to local economies. This ripple effect enhances community well-being and promotes economic sustainability, leading to stronger and more vibrant communities.

“As the newest CRD team member, I have learned a great deal from my coworkers, but the institute has helped me contribute to designing and delivering our programs," Hawkins said. "I look forward to completing the program."

The collaboration between COABE and the CRD team is a model for other Extension teams nationwide. The team hopes to inspire others to pursue similar certifications and initiatives to create a nationwide network of informed and skilled entrepreneurship Extension educators by getting this certification. Macias-Christian has more than 22 years of experience in Extension and provides bilingual entrepreneurship education and ServSafe.

"This program allowed me to transform an idea into a business plan that I can use when teaching courses," Macias-Christian said. "We spend a lot of time helping others with their ideas. Starting from scratch and seeing the finished project was a good experience."

Moving Forward

As the team continues to lead the charge in entrepreneurship education, it lays the groundwork for a brighter future for individuals and communities. It seeks to remain at the forefront of entrepreneurship education. For information on the CRD team's programs, visit the Community Resource Development web page at www.aces.edu. Or contact Terence Norwood at (256) 372-5023.

From L to R:

Terence Norwood, State Extension Specialist for Community & Economic Development

Juana Macias-Christian, Urban Regional Extension Agent for CRD

Jon Jacobson, Urban Regional Extension Agent for CRD

Marisa Hawkins, CRD Program Coordinator