Researching and Evaluating a New Management Structure in Ohio State University Extension
Leadership and Administrative Skills
Haley Shoemaker
Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources
The Ohio State University
Canfield
Abstract
Based on the need for a new management model in Ohio State University Extension, a cross-section of Extension professionals, college representatives, and statewide stakeholders was appointed to a task force charged with developing a proposed management structure that best supports county level operations. Three sub-committees were established. The OSU Extension Structure Review Sub-Committee took a deep dive into a historic timeline of Extension administrative models. They investigated the strengths and weaknesses of past models to inform future decision making. The Other Extension Models Sub-Committee compared management models from approximately 24 benchmark Extension systems. Through this, committee members took stock of management structures across other systems that were similar in size and demographics to Ohio. They contacted employees at different universities with a set of questions that covered funding models, mentoring, promotion, and what the system does extremely well. The Communication Sub-Committee strategically managed communication to the rest of the organization to keep employees abreast of progress. Additionally, Extension professionals were afforded opportunities to provide feedback through surveys and focus groups. Key areas identified for improvement were moving to full time supervisors and dedicated programmatic support. Based on their research, the task force suggested a two-part plan that included full-time regional managers and additional full-time personnel to provide program development support in each Extension program area. Extension has not been immune to turnover rates impacting all industries across the U.S. We believe this structure will provide support in this new era of employee management.
Authors: Haley Shoemaker, Maggie Rivera, Megan Arnold, Christopher Zoller
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Haley Shoemaker Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Author, Ohio, 44406
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Maggie Rivera Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Co-Author, Ohio, 44307
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Megan Arnold Area Leader and Co-Director, Operations, Co-Author, Ohio, 43604
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Christopher Zoller Interim Assistant Director, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Co-Author, Ohio, 43210