Well-trained Extension professionals are essential for quality educational programs and the continued success of Extension across the country. Extension professionals face increasingly complex challenges that often span more than a single discipline and involve numerous stakeholders. 

The skills required to collaborate with others and successfully navigate challenges require ongoing training throughout one’s career. There is a growing need for Extension staff to refine their skill sets to adapt to current needs. With these increased demands and pressures, Extension professionals are reporting increased burnout. Subsequently, support offered in the form of relevant and tangible professional development decreases as one’s experience increases.   

Extension staff need relevant, timely, and intensified professional development throughout their career trajectory to support their continued growth and enhance their effectiveness. 

University of Wisconsin-Madison Extension, with representatives from Minnesota, Missouri, Purdue, and Nebraska, are designing an in-depth learning experience that will support Extension professionals to enhance their programmatic success and educational programming effectiveness by equipping them with enhanced skills, strategies, and regional peer support through a professional development opportunity called EXPAND (Professional Extension Advancement, Networking, and Development).  

Dr. Lisa Kaslon – Professional Development Coordinator for Nebraska Extension.

Dr. Sarah Traub – Assistant Vice Chancellor of Extension and Engagement for the University of Missouri.

Steve McKinley – Staff Development Specialist for Purdue Extension in Indiana.

Amber Shanahan – EXPAND Director – Organizational Learning & Professional Development Specialist for the UW-Madison Division of Extension

Matt Hanson – Project Manager – EXPAND