Agenda
Program Overview
Below you will find the broad agenda of NUEC 2026. Additional agenda details will be provided as available.
Click Here to see the Detailed Program Agenda
Monday, May 11, 2026
| 1-9 p.m. | Conference Registration |
| 3:00-5:00 p.m. | Special Interest Group Meeting |
| 3:30-5:00 p.m. | Leadership in the City Program Close & Alumni Reception |
| 3:00-5:00 p.m. | NUREC Advisory Committee Meeting |
| 4:00-5:50 p.m. | NUEL Steering Committee Meeting |
| 6-8 p.m. | Welcome Reception and Speaker |
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
| 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Conference Registration |
| 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. | Breakfast and Networking |
| 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. | • Welcome Plenary Session • Conference Opening Keynote Speaker. • National Urban Extension Leaders – The Past, Present and Future of Urban Extension |
| 10:30 -10:50 a.m. | Break |
| 10:50 - 12:00 p.m. | Breakout Sessions - Leading Edge Dialogs on HOT TOPICS! |
| 12:00 - 1:20 p.m. | Lunch – National Urban Extension Leadership Award |
| 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. | Regional Meetings |
| 3:30 - 3:50 p.m. | Break |
| 3:50-4:50 p.m. | Breakout Sessions |
| 6:00 p.m. | Day One Concludes, Optional evening in Detroit. |
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
| 7 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Conference Registration |
| 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. | Breakfast and Networking |
| 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. | Breakout Sessions |
| 9:30 - 9:45 a.m. | Break |
| 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. | Breakout Sessions |
| 10:45-11:45 a.m. | Breakout Sessions |
| 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. | Lunch - Cultivating Living Infrastructure: Building‑Integrated Agriculture for Resilient Urban Futures Panel Moderator: Maggie Anderson Fasy, Program Manager, National Urban Research & Extension Center (NUREC) Panelists: -August Stolba, Master of Architecture Student and Graduate Teaching Fellow, University of Oregon -Pat Lando, Landscape Architect and Green Infrastructure Consultant, Recode -Dr. Matt Arrington, Assistant Professor of Applied Plant Science and Life Sciences Greenhouse Director, Bringham Young University |
| 1:15 - 5 p.m. | Urban Extension Field Trips |
| 5 p.m. | Day Two Concludes, Dinner on Your Own |
Thursday, May 14, 2026
| 7 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Conference Registration |
| 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. | Breakfast and Networking |
| 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. | Breakout Sessions |
| 9:30 - 9:45 a.m. | Break |
| 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. | Breakout Sessions |
| 10:45 - 11 a.m. | Break |
| 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Breakout Sessions |
| 12 - 2 p.m. | Lunch and Conference Closing Session |
| 2 p.m. | Conference Adjourns |
Detailed Program Overview
Below you will find the detailed agenda of NUEC 2026. Addition agenda details will be provided as available.
Monday, May 11, 2026
| 1-9 p.m. | Conference Registration |
| 3:00-5:00 p.m. | Special Interest Group Meeting |
| 3:30-5:00 p.m. | Leadership in the City Program Close & Alumni Reception |
| 3:00-5:00 p.m. | NUREC Advisory Committee Meeting |
| 4:00-5:50 p.m. | NUEL Steering Committee Meeting |
| 6-8 p.m. |
Welcome Reception
Welcome to NUEC 26NUEC26 Planning Committee Chair – Dr. Marie A. Ruemenapp, Michigan State University Extension NUEL Chair – Anthony Tuggle, Tennessee State University and University of Tennessee Welcome to Michigan Dr. Dave Ivan, Director Community, Food & Environment Institute, Michigan State University Extension |
| Speaker Jeanette Pierce, City Institute Welcome to Detroit: A Legacy of Resilience and Reinvention Drives Innovation |
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
| 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Conference Registration |
| 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. | Breakfast and Networking |
| 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. |
Conference OpeningWelcome to NUEC 26NUEC26 Planning Committee Chair – Dr. Marie A. Ruemenapp, Michigan State University Extension Welcome to Michigan Dr. Quentin Tyler, Director of, Michigan State University Extension, Senior Associate Dean for Outreach and Engagement Keynote SpeakerNational Urban Extension Leaders – The Past, Present and Future of Urban ExtensionIntroduction by Richard Wooten, Michigan State University Extension District 11 Director Anthony Tuggle, Chair of the National Urban Extension Leaders Ruthford County Extension Director, Tennessee State University and University of Tennessee Katherine Williams, Past Chair of the National Urban Extension Leaders Wake County Extension Director, North Carolina State University Speaker Nicole Scott, Founder and Owner of the Midwest Invitational Black Rodeo and Michigan State University Extension State Council Member From Access to Impact: Expanding Extension’s Reach in Urban Communities |
| 10:30 -10:50 a.m. | Break |
| 10:50 - 12:00 p.m. |
Breakout Sessions - Leading Edge Dialogs on HOT TOPICS!
Fast-paced, interactive sessions that spotlight emerging issues and innovative approaches relevant to urban Extension work. Each session will feature a brief overview followed by a facilitated discussion where participants share insights, explore ideas, and learn from one another. These sessions prioritize active participation, co-learning, and capturing key takeaways to inform future practice.Room 1 • Next-Generation Governance: Positioning Extension to Strengthen Urban Communities. (Steven Chmielewski & Jerry Braatz, University of Wisconsin-Madison) Room 2 • Unraveling Wicked Problems: The Critical Role of Extension. (Kristina Hains, Bryan Hains & Jeffery Young, University of Kentucky) Room 3 • Putting the 4p's into Practice: Implementing the Urban Extension Framework in Today's Cities. (Marie Ruemenapp, Extension and School of Planning, Design and Construction, Michigan State University) Room 4 • Tailoring Strategies to Build Belonging in Culturally Distinct Urban Communities. (Aurora Patricia Monterrosa Castillo) Room 5 • Modernizing Extension Programming for Greater Impact. (Katie Dunker, Deryn Davidson, Kerri Rollins & Jeni Carter, Colorado State University) Room 6 • Crisis as Catalyst: Preparing Urban Extension Leaders for the Unexpected (Alyssa Bowers, Washington State University, Ramona Madhosingh-Hector, University of Florida, & Ashley Overend, Pinellas County Commission, Florida) |
INNOVATIVE RESEARCH PANEL
Expert panels explore cutting-edge research and emerging practices in urban Extension. They highlight innovative approaches to community challenges and engage participants in meaningful dialogue.Room 7 • Bridging the Gap: Building Integrated Research & Extension Networks (Brad Gaolach, National Urban Research & Extension Center, Dan Cronan, Washington State University, & Joshua Arnold, University of Massachusetts Amherst) |
|
| 12:00 - 1:20 p.m. | Lunch |
| 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. |
Regional Meetings
Northeast Region and Northeast 1890sCornell University, Delaware State University, Pennsylvania State University, Rutgers University, University of Connecticut, University of Delaware, University of Maine, University of Maryland, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of New Hampshire, University of Rhode Island, University of the District of Columbia, University of Vermont, West Virginia University, West Virginia State University. North Central Region and North Central 1890s Central State University, Iowa State University, Kansas State University, Lincoln University, Michigan State University, North Dakota State University, Ohio State University, Purdue University, South Dakota State University, University of Illinois, University of Minnesota University of Missouri, University of Nebraska, University of Wisconsin Southern and 1890s Regions Alabama A&M University, Alcorn State University, Auburn University, Clemson University, Florida A&M University, Fort Valley State University, Kentucky State University, Louisiana State University, Mississippi State University, North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina State University, Oklahoma State University, Prairie View A&M University, South Carolina State University, Southern University and A&M College, Tennessee State University Texas A&M University, Tuskegee University, University of Arkansas, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, University of Puerto Rico, University of Tennessee, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University Western Region University of Alaska Fairbanks, University of Arizona, University of California, University of Guam, University of Hawaii, University of Idaho, University of Nevada, Reno, New Mexico State University, Oregon State University, Utah State University, Washington State University, University of Wyoming, Montana State University, American Samoa Community College, College of Micronesia, Northern Marianas College. |
| 3:30 - 3:50 p.m. | Break |
| 3:50-4:50 p.m. |
Breakout Sessions - Educational Presentations, Panels, Posters, and Lightning Talks |
Educational Presentations
Three 15-minute presentations showcasing well-developed ideas, applications, and results that highlight Extension subject matter expertise and the core competencies needed by staff to work effectively in urban and metropolitan communities. Presentations are grouped by topic to foster connection and shared learning, supporting efforts to advance impact in urban settings.Room 1 • Barriers and Motivations for Extension Professionals to Engage Youth with an Immigrant Background (Mitch Mason, University of Maine) • Leveraging Tourism and Influencers to Elevate Urban Agricultural Awareness (Hannah Eason, University of Florida) • Tree Tips! Branching Out On Social Media (Hannah Eason, University of Florida) Room 2 • Building Youth Futures Through Data-Driven Afterschool Innovation: The 4-H 21st CCLC Model. (Nora Luna, University of Nevada Reno) • Mr. Étouffée's Path to Plate Program: Youth Education and Entrepreneurship. (Morgan Walker, Prairie View A&M University) • Beyond Ready High School Students - UMES 4-H STEM Research Internship. (Ariel Clay, University of Maryland Eastern Shore) Room 3 • Brushstrokes of Extension: Arts-Based Pathways to Recovery and Community Wellness (Caroline Everidge, Purdue University) • Urban River Park Resilience: Building Community Capacity (Carrick Gambell, University of Maine) • Bridging Culture and Health: Engaging Communities Through Traditional Knowledge (Leilah Siegel, University of Illinois) Room 4 • Increasing Pollinator and Gardening Awareness in Clayton County Public Schools (Sergio Sosa, University of Georgia) • Gearing Up For Safety in Clayton County (Sergio Sosa & Aisha Favors, University of Georgia) • Multi-County Partnerships to Serve Urban Residents with Limited Outdoor Space (Caston Noorullah, University of Georgia) Room 5 • The Plant Mobile: A Plant Giveaway to Reach a New Generation (Tom Roth, Colorado State University) • Interactive Sea Level Rise Risk Management Tools for You (Henry Mayer, University of Florida) • Urban Food Hub Production Impacts and Scalability Using Input–Output Analysis (Andre De Souza Coelho, University of the District of Columbia) |
|
Panels
Expert panels exploring proven and emerging practices in urban Extension. They highlight innovative approaches to community challenges and engage participants in meaningful dialogue.Room 6 • Cultivating Capacity: Strengthening Volunteer Leadership in Urban Extension Programs (Tracy Hemsath, Chelsea King, Markis Hill, Anthony Reardon, Joy Miller, & Tara Markley, Kansas State University) |
|
Posters and Lightning Talks
Engaging, fast-paced opportunities to share ideas and spark conversation around key topics in urban Extension. Poster sessions provide a space for presenters to showcase projects, programs, and emerging practices while connecting directly with attendees. Lightning Talks use a dynamic Ignite format, featuring tightly structured five-minute presentations with rapidly advancing slides that highlight focused ideas and innovative approaches.Room 7 • POSTER - Pick a Better Snack: Boosting Urban Kids’ Fruit and Veggie Intake (Jean-Pierre Enriquez, University of Nevada Reno) •POSTER -Every Identity Belongs: Navigating Gender Expansive Pronouns (Arnelle Quashie, University of Maryland) •POSTER - Beneficial Bugs: Connecting Urban Youth to Nature Through Hands-On Learning (Kirsten Cowan, Rutgers University) •LIGHTNING TALK - Finding Local Food: How & Why to Create a Local Food Guide (Julie Wayman, Ohio State University) • LIGHTNING TALK - Cultivate Calm: Leveraging Horticulture to Boost Youth Emotional Wellness, Community Resilience (Constance Willis & Gina Adams, University of Illinois) • POSTER - Reflections on Five Cohorts of an Urban Farming Training Program (Jaqueline Kowalski, University of Connecticut) |
|
| 6:00 p.m. | Day One Concludes, Optional evening in Detroit. |
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
| 7 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Conference Registration |
| 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. | Breakfast and Networking 8:10 Conference Announcements |
| 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. |
Breakout Sessions - Educational Presentations, Leading Edge Dialogues, Panels, Posters, and Lightning Talks |
Educational Presentations
Three 15-minute presentations showcasing well-developed ideas, applications, and results that highlight Extension subject matter expertise and the core competencies needed by staff to work effectively in urban and metropolitan communities. Presentations are grouped by topic to foster connection and shared learning, supporting efforts to advance impact in urban settings.Room 1 • Cultivating Urban Farmers to Feed the Future (Diane Kerekanich, Augusta Locally Grown) • Thread to Tote: Sewing Workshop for Feed Bag Creation (Sheri Trent, University of Florida) • Grassroots Solutions: Eradicating Food Apartheid through Community Conversations (Victoria Mulllins, Ohio State University) Room 2 • Volunteer recruitment to expand gardening outreach and assistance (David Lowenstein & Barslund Judd, Michigan State University) • The Partnership Playbook: Strategies for Effective Collaboration with Community Partners (Kellie Kieren, Michigan State University) • Multi-institute collaboration with urban school district (David Lowenstein & Stathis Pauls, Michigan State University) Room 3 • Strengthening Communities by Supporting Families Across the Lifespan (Beatrice Harris, Tennessee State University) • Connecting Marginalized and Underserved Youth to Nature (Jesse Davis, University of Illinois) • Extension in Action: Michigan 4-H’s Role in Community Violence and Crisis Response (Kea Norrell-Aitch, Michigan State University) Room 4 • Health in Motion: Empowering Minds, Bodies, Communities Through Soul Line Dance (Nkenge Hyter, Alabama A&M University) • Securing New Funding Partnerships: Lessons Learned (Jerry Braatz, Univeristyof Wisconsin-Madison) • Building Community Capacity for Resilient Housing: A Proactive Planning Toolkit for Urban Extension (Brooke Troxmondo, Smart Home America) |
|
Leading Edge Dialogues
Fast-paced, interactive sessions that spotlight emerging issues and innovative approaches relevant to urban Extension work. Each session will feature a brief overview followed by a facilitated discussion where participants share insights, explore ideas, and learn from one another. These sessions prioritize active participation, co-learning, and capturing key takeaways to inform future practice.Room 5 • The Power of Facilitation: Driving Collaboration in Urban Communities (Linda Seals, University of Florida) |
|
Panels
Expert panels exploring proven and emerging practices in urban Extension. They highlight innovative approaches to community challenges and engage participants in meaningful dialogue.Room 6 • Trends in Urban Agriculture; Reports from the Field (Jaqueline Kowalski, University of Connecticut, Margaret Rivera, Ohio State University, and Joshua Arnold, University of Massachusetts Amhersti) |
|
Posters and Lightning Talks
Engaging, fast-paced opportunities to share ideas and spark conversation around key topics in urban Extension. Poster sessions provide a space for presenters to showcase projects, programs, and emerging practices while connecting directly with attendees. Lightning Talks use a dynamic Ignite format, featuring tightly structured five-minute presentations with rapidly advancing slides that highlight focused ideas and innovative approaches.Room 7 • POSTER - Summer Camps as a Tool to Inspire Youth to Pursue Ag Careers (Cynthia Pierfax, Prairie View A&M University) • Workforce Resilience: Scam Free and Financially Ready Toolkit (Emily Smith) • Youth, Gardens, and Learning: Inside Farm to Feast (Jenna Jones) • Urban Ag Futures: Innovative Youth Curriculum Meets Real-World Farming Experience (Maggie Rivera) • POSTER - RU Ready to Farm - Urban Grower Training Workshops (Meredith Taylor, Rutgers University) • LIGHTNING TALK - WorkWell: A Scalable Digital Intervention for Workplace Health Promotion (Delma Yorimoto, Rutgers University) |
|
| 9:30 - 9:45 a.m. | Break |
| 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. |
Breakout Sessions - Educational Presentations, Panels, and Leading Edge Dialogues |
Educational PresentationsThree 15-minute presentations showcasing well-developed ideas, applications, and results that highlight Extension subject matter expertise and the core competencies needed by staff to work effectively in urban and metropolitan communities. Presentations are grouped by topic to foster connection and shared learning, supporting efforts to advance impact in urban settings.Room 1 • Go Green! Urban Extension Partnership Programs Foster Connection to Nature (Julie Crick, Michigan State University) • Building Food Security: Evaluation of an Urban Community Garden Model (Mack Lessig, University of Florida) • Perceptions, Barriers, and Behaviors: Applying Protection Motivation Theory to Urban Soil Contamination (Nathan Shoaf, Purdue University) Room 2 • Virtual Symposium Advances Knowledge in the Emerging Cut Flower Industry (Gabrielle LaTora, University of Georgia) • Pollinator Programming in Illinois (Ryan Pankau, University of Illinois) • Building Food Security Through Urban Gardening in Newark’s Hope Village (Veronica Jones. Rutgers University) Room 3 • Beyond Free Lunch: Tackling Stigma in School Meal Programs (Ricardo Kairios, Rutgers University) • Lessons Learned from Senior Center Pop-up Farmers’ Markets Pilot Project (Kelly McClelland Horton, Michigan State University) • Innovative Urban Agriculture Micro-grant Program in Cook County, Illinois (Jesse Schaffer, University of Illinois) Room 4 • Building a Sustainable Urban Workforce Through FFL Professional Training (Marc Celestin, University of Florida) • An Innovative Extension Model for Training Urban Landscape Workforces (Jeni Supporting) (Deryn Davidson & Jeni Carter, Colorado State University) • Developing an Adaptive Urban Workforce: Competencies for Extension Success (Joshua Campbell, Oklahoma State University) Room 5 • Porch Talk - A Men's Health Discussion (James Keys, Central State University) • From Food Access to Agency: Empowering Underserved Residents Through Urban Agriculture in Springfield, Illinois (Joseph Malual, University of Illinois, & Yves Doumen & Isaiha Thomas, Motherland Gardens C.P) • Frazzled to Focused: Quick Tools to Beat Burnout (Constance Willis & Gina Adams, University of Illinois) |
|
Leading Edge Dialogue
Fast-paced, interactive sessions that spotlight emerging issues and innovative approaches relevant to urban Extension work. Each session will feature a brief overview followed by a facilitated discussion where participants share insights, explore ideas, and learn from one another. These sessions prioritize active participation, co-learning, and capturing key takeaways to inform future practice.Room 6 • Beyond Ready: CHISPA 4-H Pathways to Belonging and Cultural Connection (Catherine Slayton, Noah Cadrew, & Aurora Patricia Monterrosa Castillo, Michigan State University) |
|
PanelsExpert panels exploring proven and emerging practices in urban Extension. They highlight innovative approaches to community challenges and engage participants in meaningful dialogue.Room 7 • Leading Neglected Cemetery Transformation through Natural Area and Community Restoration (Matthew Orwat, Texas A&M University, Julie Fineman, Constellation of Living Memorials Leader & Corrine Breeding) |
|
| 10:45-11:45 a.m. |
Breakout Sessions - Educational Presentations and Research Presentations |
Education PresentationsThree 15-minute presentations showcasing well-developed ideas, applications, and results that highlight Extension subject matter expertise and the core competencies needed by staff to work effectively in urban and metropolitan communities. Presentations are grouped by topic to foster connection and shared learning, supporting efforts to advance impact in urban settings.Room 1 • Transformative food pantry programming in a post SNAP-ed landscape (Suzie West, University of Minnesota) • Empowering Students to Combat Stigma: Art and Ambassadors for SNAP and Food Support Awareness (Cara Cuite, Rutgers University) • Where Art Meets Extension: Innovative Approaches to Engage Urban Audiences (Ondine Wells, University of Florida & Diane Wilson, Michigan State University) Room 2 • Integrating and Elevating Youth Voice OST Programming (Leslie Quevedo, University of Wisconsin-Madison) • Growing Family STEM Identity in New Jersey’s Cities: Urban Extension Strategies from Jersey City to Atlantic City (Kendrin Dyitt & Rodrigo Sanchez Hernandez, Rutgers University) • 4-H Textile Design and Engineering Programming: "Sew" Much More! (Stephanie Thorson, University of Nebraska-Lincoln) Room 3 • Advancing Language Equity in Urban Extension: The University of Georgia SPEC Spanish Professional Extension Committee (Rolando Orellana, University of Georgia) • Sharing Garden Wisdom - Mental, Physical & Spiritual growth (Teki Hunt & Audrey Long, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff) • Bridges Toward Better.. Enhancing Your Cultural Awareness & Responsiveness (Alexa McCoy, University of Illinois) Room 4 • Leading with Purpose: A Template for Extension Unit Strategic Planning (Marie Ruemenapp, Michigan State University) • Building Teams That Click (Jeni Carter, Colorado State University) • Dialogic Leadership for Navigating Complexity in Urban Extension (Rebecca Ackah, University of Georgia) Room 5 • Impact of the Sustainable and Urban Agriculture Program at Virginia State University (Leonard Githinji, Virginia State University) • Homegrown Hillsborough - Supporting food system success through leadership development (Monica Petrella, University of Florida) • Unfinished Work: Bridging the Gap Between West Virginia Land-Grant Institutions (Samantha Gilmore & Lisa Bell, West Virgina State University) |
|
Leading Edge Dialogues
Fast-paced, interactive sessions that spotlight emerging issues and innovative approaches relevant to urban Extension work. Each session will feature a brief overview followed by a facilitated discussion where participants share insights, explore ideas, and learn from one another. These sessions prioritize active participation, co-learning, and capturing key takeaways to inform future practice.Room 6 • Food Sovereignty: A Framework for Cross-Disciplinary Urban Extension (Dana Freeman, University of Nebraska-Lincoln & Marlin Bates & Tara Markley, Kansas State University) Room 7 • Extension’s Role with Justice-Involved Populations: Innovation, Partnerships, and Practice-Based Approaches (Caroline Everidge &Cora Hill, Purdue University) |
|
| 11:45 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. | Lunch - Cultivating Living Infrastructure: Building‑Integrated Agriculture for Resilient Urban Futures Panel Moderator: Maggie Anderson Fasy, Program Manager, National Urban Research & Extension Center (NUREC) Panelists: -August Stolba, Master of Architecture Student and Graduate Teaching Fellow, University of Oregon -Pat Lando, Landscape Architect and Green Infrastructure Consultant, Recode -Dr. Matt Arrington, Assistant Professor of Applied Plant Science and Life Sciences Greenhouse Director, Bringham Young University |
| 1:15 - 5 p.m. |
Urban Extension Field Tours• A Living Classroom: MSU Extension’s Role in Community-Based Agriculture and Learning at Tollgate Farm• Belle Isle Discovery Tour • Belle Isle Kayak Adventure: Habitat, Aquatic Plants & River Connections • Biking Beautiful Belle Isle – A Conference Adventure on Wheels • Exploring Innovation: A Walking Tour of Detroit's Learning Hubs • Footsteps of Detroit's Riverfront: Food, Nature, and Place • From Detroit’s Historic Eastern Market to TechTown – How Food Entrepreneurs Thrive and Are Supported in Detroit • Reimagining Cities with Local Food Cultivation, Collaboration and Art |
| 5 p.m. | Day Two Concludes, Dinner on Your Own |
Thursday, May 14, 2026
| 7 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Conference Registration |
| 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. | Breakfast and Networking 8:10 Conference Announcements |
| 8:30 - 9:30 a.m. |
Breakout Sessions - Educational Presentations, Leading Edge Dialogues, Posters, and Lightning Talks |
Educational PresentationsThree 15-minute presentations showcasing well-developed ideas, applications, and results that highlight Extension subject matter expertise and the core competencies needed by staff to work effectively in urban and metropolitan communities. Presentations are grouped by topic to foster connection and shared learning, supporting efforts to advance impact in urban settings.Room 1 • Growing Urban Farmers in SF Bay Area and Sacramento Communities (Joshua Garcia & Julio Contreras, University of California) • Alabama Sheep & Goat Summit: Innovative Extension Strategies for Urban Food Systems and Youth Engagement (Felix Samuel, Clement Akotsen-Mensah & Jennifer Wells, Alabama A&M University) • Fostering water awareness and science literacy in tomorrow’s leaders (Julio Contreras, University of California) Room 2 • Facilitation as Catalyst for Urban Extension Impact: Rethinking Traditional Academic Roles (Jeantyl Norze, University of Arkansas & Erick Killian, University of Nevada Reno) • Partnering for Resilient Communities in Flood-Prone Regions (Linda Seals, University of Florida) • Norris Square Community Profile: A Process for Community Engagement, Capacity Building, and Equitable Development (Chrisy Schmidt, Pennsylvania State University) |
|
Leading Edge DialogueFast-paced, interactive sessions that spotlight emerging issues and innovative approaches relevant to urban Extension work. Each session will feature a brief overview followed by a facilitated discussion where participants share insights, explore ideas, and learn from one another. These sessions prioritize active participation, co-learning, and capturing key takeaways to inform future practice.Room 3 • Bridging Schools and Communities: Advancing Access, Awareness, and Health Through the Dallas County Urban Farm Expo (Adrianna Olivarez, Texas A&M University) Room 4 • ‘Nia:’ Mentoring young people to find their pathways and purpose (JulieAna Stawicki, University of Wisconsn-Madison) Room 5 • Addressing Mental Health through Community Nutrition and Physical Activity (Macy Helm & Anne Lindsay, University of Nevada Reno) Room 6 • Fruity Cities: A Medley of Opportunities Growing Fruits and Nuts (Niam Edwards, Michigan State University) |
|
Posters and Lightning TalksEngaging, fast-paced opportunities to share ideas and spark conversation around key topics in urban Extension. Poster sessions provide a space for presenters to showcase projects, programs, and emerging practices while connecting directly with attendees. Lightning Talks use a dynamic Ignite format, featuring tightly structured five-minute presentations with rapidly advancing slides that highlight focused ideas and innovative approaches.Room 7 • POSTER - Tree Campus Higher Education Certification at a Washington DC University (Kelly Russo-Petrick, University of the District of Columbia) • POSTER - Engaging Urban Communities: A Mixed-Methods Model for Extension Assessments (Rainah Folk, University of Illinois) • LIGHNTING TALK - Myth Busters, Extension Staff Edition (Jeni Carter, Colorado State University) • LIGHTNING TALK - Pop-Up Farmers Markets: Expanding Food Access for Seniors (Claire Mance, University of Wisconsin-Madison) • LIGHTNING TALK - Hudson County Produce Prescription Program: Improving Health Through Nutrition Access (Delma Yorimoto, Rutgers University) • POSTER - Advancing Careers in Agriculture & STEM: NJ & MD 4-H Internship Program (Kirsten Cowan, Rutgers University, & Jenna Jones, University of Maryland) |
|
| 9:30 - 9:45 a.m. | Break |
| 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. |
Breakout Sessions - Leading Edge Dialogues and Panels |
Leading Edge DialoguesFast-paced, interactive sessions that spotlight emerging issues and innovative approaches relevant to urban Extension work. Each session will feature a brief overview followed by a facilitated discussion where participants share insights, explore ideas, and learn from one another. These sessions prioritize active participation, co-learning, and capturing key takeaways to inform future practice.Room 1 • Mentoring Program Renovation: Could Nonformal Framing Increase Engagement? (Brian Raison, Ohio State University) Room 2 • Reimagining Extension: Youth STEAM Builds Stronger, More Resilient Urban Communities (Meggan Franks, Louisiana State University) Room 3 • Mapping Urban Mental Health Spaces, Places, and Partnerships for Community Well-Being (Lakshmi Mahadevan, Texas A&M University, & Sonia Lopez, University of Illinois) Room 4 • The Food Business Start-Up Summit: Where Extension Facilitates Innovation (Quinlan Carttar, Kansas State University) Room 5 • Mapping, Snapping, and Charting Change: A Hands-On Toolkit for Participatory Urban Extension Evaluation (Najat Elgeberi & Christopher J. Copp, University of Nevada Reno, & Fanny J. Hernandez, University of Connecticut) |
|
PanelsExpert panels exploring proven and emerging practices in urban Extension. They highlight innovative approaches to community challenges and engage participants in meaningful dialogue.Room 6 •4-H Beyond Ready: Culturally Affirming Workforce Development Strategies for the Food & Ag Sector (Mark Becker & Keith Jacobs, University of Illinois, & Kurly Taylor Jr., Jackie Joyner-Kersee Food, Agriculture, and Nutrition Innovation Center) Room 7 • Driving Innovation: Urban Extension Tours as Professional Development (Jeffery A. Young, University of Kentucky, & Katherine Williams & Donna Rewalt, North Carolina State University) |
|
| 10:45 - 11 a.m. | Break |
| 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. |
Breakout Sessions - Leading Edge Dialogues and Panels |
Leading Edge DialoguesFast-paced, interactive sessions that spotlight emerging issues and innovative approaches relevant to urban Extension work. Each session will feature a brief overview followed by a facilitated discussion where participants share insights, explore ideas, and learn from one another. These sessions prioritize active participation, co-learning, and capturing key takeaways to inform future practice.Room 1 • Extension Collaborations that Boost the Cottage Food Industry (Cindy Brison, University of Nebraska-Lincoln) Room 2 • Cooking demonstrations make a difference at farmers markets (Fabian Ardila-Pinto, Cornell University) Room 3 • AgriProspects and Extension's role in the Workforce Development Ecosystem (Melanie Pugsley, Extension Foundation) Room 4 • Empowering youth with GeoAI (Thomas Ray, North Caroline State University) |
|
PanelsExpert panels exploring proven and emerging practices in urban Extension. They highlight innovative approaches to community challenges and engage participants in meaningful dialogue.Room 5 • Effective Evaluation in Culturally Rich Communities: Data, Analysis, and Reporting (Fanny Hernandez, University of Connecticut & Najat Elgeberi & Christopher J. Copp , University of Nevada Reno) Room 6 • Successful Feats in the Streets – Strengthening Communities Through Authentic Engagement (Rayshawnda Temple, Gigi Broughton, Grace Henry, & Gerrylynn McNeal, Michigan State University) Room 7 • The Power of Many: Using Charrettes to Solve Complex Urban Challenges (Oliver Gomez, Michigan State University, Jeffery Young, University of Kentucky, & Ramona Madhosingh-Hector, University of Florida) |
|
| 12 - 2 p.m. | Lunch and Conference Closing Session Speaker Jon Novello, Employee Assistance Program Director, Employee Assistance Program Director, Michigan State University You Matter Too: Caring for the Caregivers |
| 2 p.m. | Conference Adjourns |
Print
Email