Agriculture Council for Access and Opportunity
NDSU Agriculture, to include NDSU Extension, North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station (NDAES), Research Extension Centers and the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources (CAFSNR), is committed to engagement for all employees, clientele and partners. Our core values include equal access, service to diverse audiences, engagement in recruitment and employment, and fostering genuine inclusivity throughout our units. As such, we remain committed to engagement as both a mindset and in action.
The NDSU Agriculture Council for Access and Opportunity was first convened in 2020, with the mission of promoting a system that values differences in meaningful way to enhance our land grant mission of teaching, research and extension.
Goals of the Council
- An engaged workforce within NDSU Agriculture
- Multiple, regular educational programs and resources on engagement are readily available and accessed by all staff
- Stronger relationships with our 1994 North Dakota land-grant institutions and Tribal partners
- All resources developed and utilized by NDSU Agriculture are viewed through a cultural lens before distribution
Current Council Members
Members of this council are from all divisions within NDSU Agriculture to include NDSU Extension, North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station (NDAES), Research Extension Centers and the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources (CAFSNR).
| Name | Title and Department/Unit/Term End | |
|---|---|---|
| Holly Arnold | Extension Parent Educator, Ward County (Region 2) | |
| Paula Comeau | Extension Soil and Water Leadership Program Coordinator | |
| Elizabeth Cronin | Director, Agriculture Communication | |
| Jim Gray | West District Director, NDSU Extension | |
| Emily How | Extension Agent, ANR**, Ward County | |
| Sue Isbell | Extension Agent, 4-H, Sioux County | |
| Krishna Katuwal | Research Agronomist, Dickinson Research Extension Center | |
| Mohamed Khan | Assistant Director, ANR, Extension Administration | |
| Arlan Littlewolf | Extension Agent, EFNEP***, Cass County | |
| Febina Mathew | Associate Professor, Plant Pathology | |
| Carlos Pires | Extension Soil Health Specialist, Assistant Professor, School of Natural Resource Sciences | |
| David Ripplinger | Assistant Professor, Extension Agribusiness and Applied Economics | |
| Guillermo Scaglia | Professor and Department Head, Animal Sciences | |
| Madeleine Smith | Extension Pesticide Specialist | |
| Jill Sokness, Chair | Extension Agent, FCW*, Cass County | |
| Jan Stankiewicz | Community Health and Nutrition Specialist, NDSU Extension | |
| Brooke Thiel | Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural and Family Education | |
| Shannon Ueker | Administrative Secretary, Department of Plant Sciences |
* FCW - Family and Community Wellness
** ANR - Agriculture and Natural Resources
*** EFNEP - Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program
Council Meetings
The Agriculture Council for Access and Opportunity meets virtually, every-other-month to learn together, provide committee and organizational updates, and determine ways to promote engagement education for the entire organization. Four standing committees assist in the work of the council and include 1) education, 2) tribal connections/1994 relationships, 3) inclusive publications, and 4) civil discourse. Additional committees are possible and will be developed by the council based on needs of the organization.