|
 At the same time, Illinois communities face increasingly complex
environmental and energy challenges that require more resources
and fresh thinking about solutions. To address the growing need
in these vast areas, Illinois Extension is expanding leadership
and staff capacity in agriculture, ag business, natural
resources, environment, and energy to better serve Illinois’
food, agriculture, and outdoor industries.
Natural Resources, Environment, and Energy
Dr. Shiba Kar has been named the inaugural assistant dean and
program leader for natural resources, environment, and energy
for University of Illinois Extension. Kar will provide strategic
and functional leadership for Extension staff serving Illinois
food, agriculture, and outdoor industries.
The appointment underscores Extension’s renewed commitment to
building more resources that support clients and stakeholders
across the state. Over the past decade, natural resources and
environmental content has been in high demand, particularly
programming exploring sustainable energy, air and water quality,
land usage and accessibility, and the outdoor economy.
“Dr. Kar’s expertise brings a new dimension to the
multidisciplinary approach Illinois Extension uses to evaluate
and address statewide issues,” says Shelly Nickols-Richardson,
associate dean of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and
Environmental Sciences and director of Illinois Extension. “We
are excited to see how he leverages his technical knowledge and
environmental policy experience to drive momentum and bring new
vision to both our emerging and heritage content areas.”
As a long-term advocate for natural resource sustainability and
its connection to community development, Kar’s work aligns with
Extension’s mission to put learning and discovery into practice.
He is an experienced researcher and program development
specialist. He can also design and evaluate strategies that
encourage adoption of energy and environmental best practices
among farmers and rural communities.
Kar’s professional and educational experience spans three
countries – Bangladesh, Australia, and the U.S. – so he brings a
global perspective to this role. He also has a wealth of
experience in understanding social and economic impacts of
energy and environmental policy. Because local issues are often
shaped by both state and federal policy, Kar is well suited to
lead a team of experts in nutrient loss reduction, invasive
species, sustainable communities, and soil and water quality,
among other topics.
“Dr. Kar brings a diverse, global perspective that strengthens
our ability to understand, adapt, and model best practices in
energy and environmental sciences across the state,” says ACES
Dean Kim Kidwell. “His work with state and federal energy,
climate, and environmental policy is a significant asset for the
communities and clients we serve.”
One of Kar’s early priorities will be a strategic assessment of
capacity and coverage of vital content areas. While much of the
team’s efforts are linked to innovation and advancement, Kar
will also administer a portfolio of legacy programs, including
the Master Naturalist program, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, and
the Energy Education Council. Kar will also connect with the
University of Illinois Arboretum, the planned location of
Extension’s unified on-campus presence.
[to top of second column] |
Agriculture and Agribusiness
Dr. Travis Burke has been named as the inaugural assistant dean and
program leader for agriculture and agribusiness for University of
Illinois Extension. Burke will serve as an advocate and champion for
support of both rural and urban food and agribusiness needs.
Burke will manage the agricultural sciences needs assessment agenda
for Illinois Extension, providing both strategic and operational
support to his team, which includes Extension’s three dedicated
education centers. Burke’s team features a roster of Extension
professionals with expertise in commercial agriculture,
agribusiness, livestock management, agronomy, food and agriculture
entrepreneurship, specialty crop production, horticulture, plant
diagnostics, pesticide safety, local food systems, and soil and
water, among other critical areas.
One of Burke’s recent career successes was traveling across North
Carolina to marshal citizen support for a bond referendum—a
successful endeavor resulting in $150 million in funding for the
Plant Sciences Institute at NC State University. Creating win-win
outcomes that bring campus expertise and community needs together is
a hallmark of Extension’s education and public service mission,
making Burke well suited to the task that lies ahead for his team.
“Dr. Burke has a proven record of blending strategic thought
leadership with innovative program development,” says Shelly Nickols-Richardson,
associate dean of the College of Agricultural, Consumer and
Environmental Sciences and director of Illinois Extension. “The
challenges facing Illinois agriculture require both a modern
skillset and a long-range view of the industry and the opportunities
it presents. Travis comes to this role with a clear vision of how to
leverage Extension’s resources to solve problems and build
partnerships.”
Much of Illinois Extension’s impact in the agriculture and
agribusiness sectors stems from partnerships with like-minded
organizations. Burke’s early efforts in this new role will include
assessing Extension’s agricultural stakeholder engagement strategy
and determining how to strategically invest resources – manpower,
financial, and intellectual – to create the greatest positive
benefit for Illinois farmers.
“Illinois Extension serves as a critical conduit for information
flow between agricultural producers and the research faculty in the
College of ACES,” says ACES Dean Kim Kidwell. “We are thrilled to
have an experienced Extension professional and practitioner join our
team. His talents and experience will allow us to cultivate new and
deeper relationships with faculty across campus and partners
throughout the state.”
In addition to pursuing an innovative research and outreach agenda,
Burke will also lead his team in advocating for several popular
legacy programs. These core service entities include Illinois Master
Gardeners, farmdoc, AgrAbility, Certified Livestock Manager Program,
Pesticide Safety Education Program, and the Plant Clinic. Each year,
Illinois residents use these programs to find critical resources and
consult with Extension experts.
Both Burke and Kar will focus on collaboration as a key to expanding
Illinois Extension’s network of committed faculty specialists, field
staff, community partners, and trained volunteers.
[WRITER: Samantha Koon, Illinois
Extension Director of Communications] |
