Introduction to the University of Maryland Extension

History

University of Maryland (UMD) has deep agricultural roots. The Maryland College of Agriculture (forerunner of the University of Maryland), was chartered in 1856 and, with the signing of the Morrill Act in 1862, became the state’s land-grant college in 1864. Our College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (AGNR) is the cornerstone college of today’s UMD, carrying out the land-grant mission.

AGNR has three components.

• Academics: undergraduate and graduate instruction on the UMD campus

• Research: research farms and facilities known as Maryland Agricultural Experiment Stations 

• Extension: the delivery of non-formal outreach education programs through Extension offices in 23 counties and Baltimore City and through four Research & Education Centers

University of Maryland Extension (UME) is a statewide, non-formal education system within AGNR. We follow AGNR’s mission to embody the University’s land-grant mission with a commitment to eliminate hunger, preserve our natural resources, improve quality of life, and empower the next generation through world-class education. UME educational programs and problem-solving assistance are available to all citizens and are based on the research and experience of land-grant universities such as UMD.

UME employs approximately 200 faculty and approximately 200 support staff and contractual employees located at the University of Maryland, College Park; University of Maryland Eastern Shore; 23 counties; Baltimore City; and four research and education centers. Many UME faculty members located on the College Park and Eastern Shore campuses have joint appointments with research and academic programs. These joint appointments promote the exchange of knowledge between the universities and among academic specialties.

For more information about the history, structure, and functions of both the College and UME, please visit the UME website and view the online Volunteer Policy Training module in the Moodle online classroom.

UME Impact Areas 

UME programs fall into four specific Impact Areas:

• Agriculture and Food Systems 

• Family & Consumer Sciences 

• 4-H

• Environment and Natural Resources 

The UME MG program is part of the Environment & Natural Resources (ENR) Impact Area.

UME Strategic Plan

In August 2024, the University of Maryland Extension (UME) embarked on a planning process to develop a stakeholder-driven strategic plan and identify priorities to amplify our impact, uplift our community and support stakeholders across Maryland. You can view the full five-year strategic plan on UME's website.

Mission 

UME empowers people and communities to improve their lives by offering transformative, science-based education and leading collaborative partnerships across Maryland and beyond.

Vision

UME will be known for addressing the most pressing challenges facing our communities through responsive education and resources, impactful research and innovative collaboration.

Our plan is structured around four key priorities providing guidance and focus for our work. Each priority is supported by a clear goal, actionable strategies and measurable success metrics to track progress. 

AGNR Strategic Initiatives

UMD AGNR has identified 5 strategic initiatives to guide our work. They are:

• Establish a healthy food system and ensure global food and nutritional security

• Ensure a clean and healthy Chesapeake Bay

• Advance innovative, profitable, and sustainable agricultural production systems

• Improve human, animal, and environmental health

• Optimize urban environments through design, green technology, and community engagement 

The MG program fits well into all of these strategic initiatives, so our actions are well aligned with AGNR’s priorities. We are successfully working to support the larger goals of our college. To read more about the strategic initiatives, visit AGNR’s website.

UME’s Statewide Extension Advisory Council

The purpose of UME’s Statewide Extension Advisory Council (SEAC) is to provide feedback to the Associate Dean (AD) and the UME Council (UMEC) on statewide clientele needs to serve as the basis for determining priority Extension programming investments. The membership and organizational structure are defined by UME with input from faculty and staff. The current list of State Advisory Council members can be found online on UME’s website.

Local Extension Advisory Councils and Extension Advisory Board

Each county has its own Extension Advisory Council (EAC), and Baltimore City has an Extension Advisory Board (EAB). An EAC or EAB is comprised of community leaders who help advise, promote and market UME in their local county or in Baltimore City. Council or Board members serve an essential function through their intimate understanding of their local communities and search for new opportunities for UME. In order to help them understand the breadth of research-based educational programming efforts, local educators typically provide ‘hands-on’ opportunities for them to experience programs they are offering in the community. MGs can represent the MG program on County EACs or the Baltimore City EAB.

The purpose of the Extension Advisory Council is:

1. To serve in an advisory capacity to the County Extension faculty in:

   • Developing the overall County Extension program.

   • Identifying problem areas that Extension could address.

   • Establishing program priorities.

2. To maintain adequate fiscal internal control procedures to handle any direct county funds and/or local groups and organizations' involvement in and with University of Maryland Extension programs.

3. To assist with informing clientele, support groups, and the public about Extension programs, activities, and accomplishments.

4. To assist with building support for Extension Programs.