Kansas State University began as the first Land Grant University in the nation in 1863. This was an agreement with the federal government to fund research and teaching for all people of the state by granting federally controlled land to the states for them to sell, to raise funds, to establish and endow “land-grant” colleges. Because of this agreement KSU is in every county of Kansas through the Extension department. This brings all the knowledge, research, and innovations of the university to every citizen in Kansas. That’s why when people ask me what I do as an extension agent, I tell them to ask me a question, and I will find them an unbiased answer backed by research.
None of this would be the way it is without the collaboration and support in our communities. Here in the Cottonwood District, we have on-farm research studies, field days with University specialists, and are home to one of eight research centers that are across the State. Extension Agents are also partnered with various local businesses, government offices, and city departments. We could not do our job bringing the university to the people without our local partners.
On Nov. 7 from 5:30-7 p.m., K-State University leaders and students will host a dialogue about university and community connections at a community open form at the Great Bend Events Center at 3111 10th St. in Great Bend. This is a time where the University will be in our area to listen and learn from community members on successful partnerships and positive relationships between KSU and our communities. On Nov. 8, there is a session over Water Management at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center. Then, the tour will move to Hays for a session over child care partnerships across all industries from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. For information over any of these sessions, or to RSVP to the Community Open Forum, contact either office (620-793-1910 for Great Bend and 785-628-9430 for Hays) or go to k-state.edu/barton-county.
Alicia Boor is the agriculture and natural resources agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. Contact her by email at aboor@ksu.eduor call 620-793-1910.
