Archway Concept
ARCHWAY CONCEPT
Submitted by: Lamar Martin
The "Synopsis of Models for Improving Extension Program Delivery"
document states:
"Almost
all of the modeling groups had some form of the "gateway"
or "archway" concept
in which one county or town or city would be the site for
linking multiple UGA public service and outreach resources,
including CES. This concept does not have to be restricted
to all major cities in the state, but there could be a "gateway"
county in a cluster of very rural counties. An "archway"
county would provide office space, video teleconferencing
support, would receive funding from all counties in the region,
be supported by the University through the vice president
for public service and outreach, and help public service
and outreach units connect to local communities. "Archway"
programs would also provide access to programs and resources
not currently available through the current three program
areas. This area is also discussed in the differences below."
As a direct result of the Extension Delivery Study process a decision
was made to establish a pilot project to explore and develop the concept
of linking UGA public service outreach resources and other UGA resources
through a local extension office to address broad-base issues related
to the economic well-being of communities. The following is an update
on our progress to date.
Discussions were completed and agreements were reached concerning
the pilot project with Dr. Dunning and Dr. Garber. Economic growth
issues, a large and increasing Latino population as well other issues
that are present in many Georgia Counties made Colquitt County a reasonable
choice.
An initial meeting was held on March 11 in Moultrie with a selected
group of Colquitt County leaders, the local Extension Staff, CAES and
Extension Leadership, the staff and Leadership of Public Service and
Outreach. This facilitated "Listening Session" resulted
in a list of identified areas of concern for the Colquitt County citizens.
A follow up design meeting was held on campus April 14, with various
units, departments and colleges. Minutes of the March 11 meeting were
shared previously with individuals participating in the design meeting.
Responses from the UGA resources were positive with identification
of possible assistance recorded.
A second in county meeting was held on May 6. An expanded group of
Colquitt County Leaders as well as representatives from UGA, and Department
of Community Affairs were present. "White Papers" were developed
by the College of Family and Consumer Science, College of the Environment
and Design, Carl Vinson Institute of Government, College of Education
and the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. These white
papers identified possible resources that could be applied to address
concerns.
As a result of these meeting and additional discussion between the
leadership of Public Services and Outreach, Extension, and local Leaders
several important steps have been made. There is agreement and a high
degree of desire and excitement by all parties to make this effort
successful. A plan has been developed to begin the implementation of
the pilot project. A commitment was agreed upon by all parties to share
equally in the funding for two years of an on site manager for this
pilot project. Mr. Dennis Epps from the Carl Vinson Institute of Government
has been selected to oversee the project, facilitating issue identification
and brokering resources from the UGA campus. He is expected to be fully
on board by July 1 and has begun the transition to be housed at the
Colquitt County Extension office.
For additional information contact: Dr. Art Dunning, Vice President
for Public Service and Outreach; Vivian Fisher, Associate Vice President
for Public Service and Outreach; Dr. Steve Dempsey, Director of Special
Projects, Public Service and Outreach; Dr. Mel Garber, Associate Dean
for Extension, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences;
and Lamar Martin, Assistant Dean for Extension, College of Agricultural
and Environmental Sciences.
More information:
Return
to Progress Reports
