NDSU Extension specialists are rooted in community
In many regions of North Dakota where fields stretch for miles and small towns weave their way through the landscape, NDSU Extension specialists serve as resources and connectors of the Extension network to local communities.
“Our county NDSU Extension agents are the lifeblood of NDSU’s land-grant mission, serving as an extension of NDSU in every county in North Dakota,” says Lynette Flage, NDSU Extension associate director. “But what some people may not know is that we also have many NDSU Extension topic area specialists living in communities across North Dakota, not just working from NDSU’s Fargo campus.”
NDSU Extension specialists provide technical expertise and lead programs of statewide concern in agricultural and natural resources, family and community wellness, and 4-H youth development topics. They are integral in supporting Extension agents with research-based information.
Meet Lacey
Lacey Quail, the NDSU Extension livestock systems specialist at the North Central Research Extension Center near Minot, North Dakota, highlights the critical importance of direct, personal connections in her work.
“I get to have direct contact with producers in the area, which then informs the recommendations I provide to producers throughout North Dakota,” Quail explains. “Instead of learning about conditions or issues second-hand, I get to interact with producers personally.”
Living in the same environment as the producers she serves allows Quail to experience the challenges they face, whether it’s drought, poor grazing conditions or disease outbreaks. This firsthand knowledge enables her to provide tailored recommendations. Her role goes beyond simply offering information — Quail connects new producers with more experienced peers, fostering a network where they can learn from one another.
Meet Jan
Similarly, Jan Stankiewicz, NDSU Extension community health and nutrition specialist and tribal liaison, based in Bismarck, North Dakota, emphasizes the unique opportunity to connect with people on a deeper level by living where she works.
Stankiewicz grew up in a small town in northeast Montana that instilled in her the value of involvement and building relationships.
“I bump into people at community events, sporting activities or the market and get to know them and meet their families,” she shares. “I love hearing about Extension programs or projects that are working in my community and exploring opportunities to see what might work elsewhere. I am able to not just see it from an Extension or work perspective, but I live it and feel it as a community member or parent, and that certainly is motivating and empowering.”
Meet Andrea
Andrea Bowman, NDSU Extension leadership and civic engagement program coordinator, loves living in Bowman County, with its strong agricultural foundation and ranching heritage. “My job is about building community leadership, so every organization and city I work with becomes a community to me,” Bowman explains. “I find fulfillment in helping local organizations build skills and overcome challenges. Going back to groups and seeing how their leaders have grown makes my heart happy and motivates me to be better in everything I do.”
By living, working and engaging directly within the communities they serve, Extension specialists are uniquely positioned to foster meaningful change. They are not outsiders offering theoretical solutions — they are neighbors, peers and leaders who understand the intricacies of their local areas.
“We believe the work of our specialists and agents is a powerful testament to the importance of NDSU Extension in sustaining and enriching rural communities across North Dakota,” shares Flage. “Through their dedication, these specialists ensure that knowledge is shared, networks are built and communities are empowered to thrive.”
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NDSU Extension is on the lookout for passionate individuals to join our team and make a meaningful difference. Our employees are engaged in purposeful work that positively affects people’s lives and communities. We measure our success by the impact we make, building trusted relationships and fostering social connections within the communities we serve.
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To empower North Dakotans to improve their lives and communities through science-based education.
