By Blake Jackson
Andrew Turner ’88, M.P.S. ’93, director of Cornell Cooperative Extension and associate dean for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Human Ecology, has been appointed Chair of the Northeast Extension Directors (NEED) network, succeeding Dr. Roy Beckford of the University of New Hampshire.
NEED is a collaborative network of Extension leaders throughout the Northeast, focused on aligning regional priorities, strengthening partnerships with federal and state agencies, and advancing the land-grant mission through initiatives that benefit communities.
In his new role, Turner will guide strategic priorities for the region, promote multi-state collaborations, and ensure the Northeast has a strong voice in national discussions on research, education, and community impact.
Turner leadership aims to strengthen connections across the land-grant system and showcase New York’s innovations in agriculture, youth development, and community vitality.
Turner is widely recognized for his work in 4-H youth innovation, advancing food systems in both rural and urban communities, and fostering workforce development programs connecting education with industry.
Over his career, Turner has served in nearly every Extension capacity, from county educator and director to statewide specialist and administrator.
In his “Letter from the Chair,” Turner outlines a vision for collaborative leadership and shared regional priorities. “This organization increases collaboration at a critical time for core aspects of the extension and land-grant mission, such as food system sustainability, youth development, and health and wellness efforts,” said Turner.
“Working together, we can position Cooperative Extension as a mechanism for addressing critical community needs and creating spaces for dialogue across perceived differences and divides, re-building the civic infrastructure that has become so fractured.”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-stockseller_ukr
Categories: New York, Education, General