MSU Extension Organizational Development

For more information on our MSU Extension directors, click here.

To view and/or download a contact list for the Director's Office, Institute Directors, District Directors, Business Office, Event Services, ANR Communications & Marketing, and the Organizational Development Team, visit: Contact List.

Strategic Direction Plan

Whether it's supporting the dedicated professionals who drive the state's agriculture economy or empowering children to develop leadership skills, helping others is central to the mission of Michigan State University Extension, the community outreach arm of the university.

With that in mind, MSU Extension held a series of public listening sessions and interviewed program participants, partner organizations, and peer institutions to determine where MSU Extension is, what is working well, and opportunities for improvement. The resulting Strategic Direction Plan will help shape MSU Extension’s priorities and service for years to come, helping the organization better serve all its stakeholders and partners.

For more information, visit MSU Extension Strategic Direction Plan.

Shared Values

A set of shared values has long been the foundation of MSU Extension’s work. Through what we have learned from the strategic direction process, we refined our value statements to better communicate the attributes of our people, our work, and our processes.

Our People Are . . .

Trustworthy and authentic. MSU Extension professionals and volunteers will demonstrate the utmost honesty and dependability and hold themselves and each other accountable to these high standards. We don’t just welcome diverse perspectives, we seek them out, listen empathetically, and strive to grow in self-awareness and self-reflection. Because of this, the communities we work with can trust us to show up for them, and to connect our audiences with other organizations when MSU Extension cannot meet their needs.

Welcoming and respectful. In our programming, partnerships, and staffing, we are dedicated to welcoming everyone and fostering respect in every environment. We will cut through barriers and foster a true sense of belonging across our organization. We will meet people where they are and respect and value differences as we continuously work to expand our reach to include all audiences.

Our Work Is . . . 

Creative and innovative. As problems and challenges evolve, so must our solutions.  Recognizing that what we currently know is not all there is to know, we support our professionals and communities in the challenging and rewarding process of seeking greater understanding and solving complex problems in creative new ways. We will be fearless as we try fresh solutions and encourage our colleagues and partners to join us in innovation.

Transparent and accountable. We strive to be a values-driven organization, upholding integrity and excellence in all we do. As such, transparency and accountability are cornerstones of our work and processes. We recognize the tremendous responsibility we hold as a community service organization and seek to live up to the trust placed in us by Michigan businesses, residents, and families.

Our Processes Are . . . 

Research and evidence based. In every aspect of our service, we will remain firmly rooted in scientific methods and evidence-based knowledge. For our innovative programs and resources to achieve their goals, they must be reliable and born of sound research. No matter the program, MSU Extension staff members will ensure their work can be fully trusted and relied on, because it is evidence based.

Collaborative and inclusive. We know that our best work is achieved when everyone has a voice. By listening and taking part in two-way information sharing, we work together for the good of Michigan individuals, families, businesses, and communities. As an accessible network embedded in Michigan’s rural, suburban, and urban communities, we will partner with communities to help them make the most of their assets, discover new opportunities, and help empower people to thrive.

Shared Values Award Nominations

Each month the Director's Office recognizes staff on our All-Staff Webinar who exemplify these Shared Values. To nominate an MSU Extension staff member for this award, please fill out this survey.