The Smith-Lever Act, signed on May 8, 1914, established the Cooperative Extension Service, the nationwide education system operating through land-grant universities in partnership with federal, state, and local governments. Our foundational goal has remained the same—to deliver education that changes lives. But our subject matter and our methods have changed as the needs of Mississippians have changed. Our mission in Extension is to deliver research-proven information to Mississippians in all 82 counties, and we do that by taking advantage of both face-to-face meetings and all the tools that today’s technology offers.

Our nation and state have come a long way since 1914. We lived through boll weevil invasions, the Depression, and two world wars. Each one might have crippled the state, but Extension agents and faculty were always there to help see their clients through these challenges and others. For example, Mississippi’s cotton farms are 100-percent boll-weevil-free today, due in a large part to Extension’s working with the farmers themselves, who did what it took to eliminate cotton’s historic number one pest.

We can point to similar stories in other commodities, where both simple and complex changes enabled growers to be more successful. Home demonstration clubs in the early years of Extension improved nutrition and living conditions for rural families and continue today in a variety of family and consumer science activities addressing topics such as nutrition, health, financial literacy, volunteer programs, and home-based businesses.

The Extension Service has evolved into a vibrant organization equipping citizens for living in the 21st century. Along with our many state and local partners, we celebrate our past while maintaining a focus on the bright future ahead. An expanded knowledge base; innovations for families, farmers, and government leaders; leadership training through 4-H youth development programs; and community and economic development opportunities are just part of Extension’s forward-thinking mindset.

Mississippi State University Extension Service is also a cooperating partner with Alcorn State University, the 1890 land-grant institution in Mississippi.

Mission

The Mississippi State University Extension Service provides research-based information, educational programs, and technology transfer focused on issues and needs of the people of Mississippi, enabling them to make informed decisions about their economic, social, and cultural well-being.

Foundation

The Smith-Lever Act of 1914 established the Cooperative Extension System, a publicly funded, informal educational system that links the United States Department of Agriculture, the land-grant university system, and individual counties. As the off-campus educational arm of Mississippi State University, Extension provides current research and educational information to individuals in all 82 counties. Mississippi State University Extension Service is also a cooperating partner with Alcorn State University, the 1890 land-grant institution in Mississippi.

Agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer education, enterprise and community resource development, and 4-H youth development are Extension’s ongoing priorities, or “base programs.” From these base programs, specific subjects or efforts emerge to receive emphasis for a period of time.

Vision and Beliefs

Extension’s overall purpose is education - education that will empower people to make intelligent decisions relating to their vocations, their families, and their environment. Extension’s unique interdisciplinary perspective enables the organization to make a real difference in the lives of Mississippians.

Mississippi State University Extension Service is, and will continue to be, a leader for positive change for individuals, families, and communities through the following ways: by providing research and education in a practical and applicable way; by using the latest technology and teaching techniques to serve clients; by developing and using volunteers to help disseminate programs and information; by cooperating with other groups and agencies; and by maintaining a culturally diverse staff responsive to the needs of various audiences at all socioeconomic levels.

We believe that agriculture and its related enterprises are of major economic importance in Mississippi, and we will direct programs and resources to reflect this importance. We also believe that quality of life is affected by the reciprocal relationship between people and their environment and will continue to emphasize environmental issues. We recognize the critical need for human resource development and will continue to search for ways to help families and young people to cope with an everchanging society.

Goals

To fulfill our mission and to achieve our vision for the future, Mississippi State University Extension Service must meet the following goals:

• Focus on quality services and programs that are client driven.
• Instill a future-oriented perspective in staff members, advisors, partners, and clients.
• Be responsive to new or different needs by maintaining flexibility in programming efforts.
• Develop a level of alternative resources to allow for adjustments to changing demands or critical needs.
• Expand efforts to help clients compete in a global economy.
• Foster an environment that will enable staff members and volunteers achieve their full potential.
• Project a positive image that will broaden public understanding of Extension's mission, goals, programs, and accomplishments.

Personnel

• Administration
• Staff Directory