In this episode of Extension 360, we chat with Lauren Errickson, the recipient of 2020 RCE Excellence Staff Award. Lauren currently serves as a senior program administrator with Rutgers Cooperative Extension, overseeing food access programs in New Jersey. She leads both the New Brunswick Community Farmers Market and Rutgers Against Hunger, initiatives focused on improving healthy food access and reducing both campus and community food insecurity.

Rachel and Kathleen talk with Lauren about her current work. Lauren shares her philosophies and strategies for Extension programming. She shares her own personal 4-H story and her past professional experiences (including running a horse-powered farm in Maine with her husband and RCE colleague Bill Errickson).

In this episode of Extension 360, we chat with Matthew Newman, Monmouth County 4-H Agent. Matt was the 2021 winner of the RCE Excellence Award for Faculty.

Rachel and Kathleen talk with Matt about what led him to a career in Extension, and how he ended up in NJ at Rutgers. Matt shares his thoughts and philosophies on excellence in Extension programming. He shares his own personal 4-H story and how he approaches his work and creates opportunities for youth in Monmouth County and beyond.

In this episode of Extension 360, we chat with Dr. Brian Schilling, Associate Professor/Extension Specialist of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics. Brian has been serving as the Director of Rutgers Cooperative Extension (RCE)/Senior Associate Director of the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station since July 1, 2018.

Rachel and Kathleen talk with Brian about what led him to a career in agriculture, and ultimately his role as the Director of Extension. Brian shares his thoughts on the greatest strengths of RCE, as well as the challenges and opportunities that face RCE. Brian speaks to some positive impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the mission of a Land Grant university, and provides his career advice for those working in Extension.

In this episode, show hosts Kathleen Howell and Rachel Lyons, explain what you can expect from future episodes of Extension 360.