At the same time, there should be an increased emphasis on interstate collaboration to maximize resources wherever possible. One of my priorities is that we have a first-class Web site that offers users an easy way to learn about our programs and our services. Young people are increasingly using the Internet to get information. Television is another way people, especially our youth, get information, and it is a medium we need to tap into more, whether it's through distance education or other interactive programming. We have faculty and facilities available here that are not accessible to other parts of the state.
Britt characterizes the land-grant mission as seamless.
It is really more of a philosophy or an attitude in the sense that when I represent the Institute, it's not important to constituents whether I'm the vice president, an Extension specialist, a researcher, or a teacher. Instead, we need to be out there meeting their needs, and the label you wear should be almost invisible. Seamlessness also applies to efficient use all of our resources in all of our teaching, research, and Extension efforts. There's a lot to do and a lot of ground to cover, Britt acknowledges.