By Andi Anderson
University of Illinois Extension has released its year-one impact report highlighting strong progress under its ten-year strategic plan.
The plan focuses on improving the environment, food and agriculture, health, community, economy, technology and discovery, partnerships, and workforce excellence across Illinois.
Launched in fall 2024, the plan aims to extend knowledge, build partnerships, and support people, communities, and the environment as part of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s land-grant mission.
The first year focused on strengthening systems, building staff engagement, and creating clear action strategies to guide future progress.
Key achievements included forming eight statewide workgroups, each led by a champion to guide one strategic priority. Clear action profiles were developed to set measurable goals.
A new strategic planning website was launched to provide transparency and updates. Staff engagement workshops and the Values in Action webinar series helped employees understand the plan and apply its values of collaboration, credibility, inclusivity, and learning.
Feedback roundtables and a statewide gap analysis also helped refine priorities and identify future programming needs. Equity was embedded across planning and program design.
Two priority groups achieved notable early success. The environment workgroup focused on strengthening climate resilience across Illinois. In 2025, five new educators were trained to expand the Climate Stewards program.
The group also planned a climate symposium with university partners and hired two statewide specialists, Ashley Belle and Jessica Rudnick, to support sustainable practices, waste reduction, water systems, and climate risk outreach.
The economy workgroup focused on building a future-ready workforce. In 2025, new food safety courses were launched for 4-H youth.
The first University of Illinois dual-credit course through the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences was offered. New teacher certification options, graduate-level course planning, and instructor training programs were also developed to strengthen career readiness and industry credentials.
“Our first year shows strong alignment and renewed energy across the organization,” said Associate Dean and Director of Illinois Extension, Matthew Vann, “Illinois Extension is committed to innovation, equity, and meeting the evolving needs of communities in every county.”
Illinois Extension will continue strengthening its statewide initiatives throughout 2025 and beyond as it advances the goals of its long-term strategic plan.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: Illinois, General