With its extensive, impressive spectrum of programs and services available to residents of all ages in all 77 counties, you’d think Oklahomans would have their nearby OSU Extension office on speed dial. But only 40% of residents know what it is and what it does.
Damona Doye, Ph.D., OSU Extension’s associate vice president, manages the daily operations of 500 staff and a multitude of additional volunteers who are the educators, administrators and researchers that drive the organization. They work out of and alongside county offices strategically located around the state that serve both rural and urban residents.
“We want to be accessible to everybody and provide research-based information for youth, individuals, families and businesses,” she says. “We are a long-standing service that aims to help people make informed decisions with respect to agriculture and natural resources, family consumer sciences and youth development through our county personnel and our digital presence.”
Add OETV programming (“Oklahoma Gardening” and “Sunup TV”) to Extension offerings that continue to help, educate and impact Oklahomans year-round.
Rural residents rely on the Extension’s agricultural resources, such as a first-time farming program and education in soil and water testing, pesticide safety and a rapid response team for crops, livestock and economic issues. Local disaster assistance is available as well. About 1,300 certified volunteers lead student 4-H groups in rural areas, towns and cities, plus a myriad of school presentations. Adult workshops on an array of educational topics are offered, too. Little-known services include an undergrad scholar program, a student project featuring collaboration with faculty and a county educator. OSU Extension can even certify county officials on purchasing practices.
Horticulture education is the most popular resource of Oklahoma City residents, and they are among many who utilize OSU Extension’s robust roster of 300 Master Gardeners.
“The Master Gardener volunteer program again expands our capacity,” says Doye. “Two million educational engagements via consultations and booths and school enrichment programs. Our Oklahoma Gardening YouTube channel has 132,000 views.”
But what, exactly, happens inside Extension offices?
“They respond daily to calls, emails and walk-ins on an interesting array of questions,” Doye says. “‘Why are my tomato plants turning this color?’ ‘What educational or engagement opportunities do you have for my youth?’”
With the organization’s insect diagnostic lab, staff even have information that can help answer consumer questions about annoying bugs they may be dealing with.
“We could write books about just the range of questions that come in to us, either as specialists or in the county offices,” says Doye.
Working as a staff member or volunteer is a labor of love.
“The thing that drives and motivates people is what we describe as an ‘Extension heart,’” Doye says. “They want to serve people. It’s not like they’re getting rich in this role or job, and they often have long work weeks and long days. I certainly appreciate all the work that they do. We all live to do those things because we’ve seen the value and recognize its importance in terms of building up our communities.”
