Last Impression
In this issue of UMaine Today, John Rebar shares his thoughts on
University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Extension brings UMaine's
expertise and resources into every Maine county, connecting the
university to thousands of people throughout the state. It is truly a
modern manifestation of the land-grant tradition.
Extension is a prime example of outreach, or engagement, a foundational
element of UMaine's three-part mission. While outreach doesn't always
get as much attention as education and research — the other parts of
that essential mission — it is critical to the way a public university
like UMaine serves its state.
As John points out in his interview, this public engagement makes a real
difference in people's lives. Extension faculty and staff make those
real connections every day, providing the advice, support and education
that Maine people need to find the way to a better life. At UMaine, we
are proud to have such a committed and capable Extension staff working
statewide.
University of Maine outreach takes other forms, as well. It involves
faculty members who travel around Maine to share their expertise with
groups or to provide perspectives to state government. It includes
facilities like UMaine's Hutchinson Center, Darling Marine Center and
research farms — all places where Maine people connect with their state
university. Engagement is part of what we do at UMaine, and we are proud
to be part of carrying on this tradition as Maine's people turn to the
University of Maine to help deal with contemporary issues and rely on us
to help.
