INNOVATION IN EXTENSION: Purdue University

The following describes an innovative person.
Region: North Central

Contact information for this innovator: Rod Williams
Job title / position: Associate Professor and Extension Specialist

Contact number: 765.494.3568

Email address: rodw@purdue.edu

Brief description of innovator as provided in online survey: Dr. Williams is an associate professor in Forestry and Natural Resources. He has integrated Extension into the department's graduate programs. He is innovative in using new technology into his Extension programming and has taken sabbaticals focused on Extension professional development.


The following describes an innovative person.

Region: North Central

Contact information for this innovator: Jim Luzar
Job title / position: County Extension Director

Contact number: 812-462-3371

Email address: luzar@purdue.edu

Brief description of innovator as provided in online survey: Jim Luzar is a County Extension Director and ANR educator. He has innovative programs from a community garden, working in prisons, and delivers traditional ag programs. He also teaches classes at the local community college and integrates volunteers into his program.


The following describes an innovative person.

Region: North Central

Contact information for this innovator: Erika Bonnet
Job title / position: Science Coordinator

Contact number: 812.379.1665

Email address: ebonnett@purdue.edu

Brief description of innovator as provided in online survey: Erika leads the development of new science programs for 4-H. She had a very successful career in developing new robotics programs as a county educator and is strengthing 4-H collaborations with other colleges across Purdue University, for example enginneering.


The following describes an innovation.
Region: North Central

Main contact information for this innovation: Bo Beaulieu

Main contact job title / position: Assistant Director for Extension in Community Development

Main contact number: 765-494-4277

Main contact email address:  ljb@purdue.edu

Innovation name: HOmetown Collaboration Initiative

Brief description of innovation as provided in online survey: This project conducts community capacity building and leadership development for rural communities in Indiana. In partnership with the Lt. Gov office and other universities, Purdue Extension designed a process for community facilitation and capacity building on a specific community development project


The following describes an innovation.

Region: North Central

Main contact information for this innovation: Melinda Grismer

Main contact job title / position: County Extension Director and Learning Network Coordinator

Main contact number: (765) 659-6380

Main contact email address:  mgrismer@purdue.edu

Innovation name: Learning Network in Clinton County

Brief description of innovation as provided in online survey: The Learning Network connects people and organizations with educational opportunities throughout Indiana. It has been very successful in reaching minority populations, primarily Hispanic populations. This program has been successful in developing a new funding model for Extension as its grant programs have been very productive.