There is not another university in the country with this arrangement. All land-grant schools have an extension service, but cooperative extension makes up less than 50 percent of our outreach. That is our uniqueness. Administratively, the organization here gives public service and outreach a seat at the cabinet, a seat equal to instruction and research. That is so key.
Service has to be recognized as an equal partner in the tripartite mission.
Another key is that we have a faculty structure with a ranked professional ladder. Most universities have not developed this system of incentives and rewards for public service. We have 700 faculty members, including our county agents. This university has embraced public service and outreach. This university has said we are great enough and we are broad enough to accommodate everyone.