Those in attendance:
Shirley Hastings
Carolyn Nobles
Margaret Hale
Gina Eubanks
Katherine Cason
Marion Gibson
Thelma Sanders-Hunter
Debbie Jones
Ellen Murphy
Glenn Muske
Claudette Smith
Anne Sortor
Judy Warren
Call to order – Shirley Hastings
Roll Call – Carolyn Nobles
Carolyn Nobles moved that the minutes be approved as presented. Motioned seconded by Thelma Sanders-Hunter.
Advisors Reports
Margaret Hale – Serves as the Southern Region ASRED designee. ASRED is preparing for a meeting in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Journal of Extension (JOE) is requesting specialist and administrators to serve as reviewers. There is a need for more diversity throughout the system. The southern region is not well represented with reviewers. She suggested that we invite colleagues who have published to consider visiting the JOE site to complete the application. The JOE Job Bank is available with a small cost to post job positions. There is a SERA being formed to address bio energy. Letter sent to ASRED from Jackie McCray – shared results of EFNEP environmental scan. The letter also encouraged communication with Directors and Administrators. The report will be sent to each state for information to be shared within the state.
Gina Eubanks – The AEA 2008 Winter Meeting is scheduled for January 29 – February 1, 2008 at the Metro Center Marriott—Downtown. The Program Team (Chairs and Co Chairs) plus Administrative Advisory will attend the meeting.
Integrated Competitive Programs Grantsmanship workshop sponsored by the 1890 region and hosted by Florida A&M University, in cooperation with AEA, ARD, and CSREES has been scheduled. The workshop will be held on March 10 -11, 2008 at the Downtown Memphis Marriott. She also recognized Thelma Sanders-Hunter being the recipient of the 2007 Annual Award for Excellence in Extension presented at the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges – November 11, 2007.
CECP Report – Larry Lippke is retiring and eXtension has made arrangements for him to provide leadership to the professional development component.
PLN Update – Met Dec. 11, 2007 in Atlanta, GA. Communities of practice were topic of discussion. The south continues to progress in this area and the launch is planned for Feb. 2008 at the Ag Outlook Conf. Some of the southern states are entering into an emergency management communication agreement. The 2008 Joint meeting will be in Aug. 25-29 Greensborough, SC and will feature promoting wellness and a healthy lifestyles. A discussion confirmed that there is a serious need for newcomers to PLN to understand their role and responsibilities. Orientation for new FCS Program leaders was suggested by Margaret.
Caring Hands Report – Judy thanked all members for their contributions. Currently the account has a balance of $1150.00. Judy asked for help in keeping the list up to date.
Obesity Community of Practice – Ellen informed the group that she is no longer in that role. Several persons were nominated to lead this effort. She received an e-mail from Carla Craycraft about a conference call but has not received any more communication. Shirley mentioned that the letter of intent was submitted. Margaret will follow up with Carla, and Ellen will follow up with Carolyn Dunn. See attached document from Margaret Hale.
Spring Meeting – Shirley reminded the group about the possibility of a spring meeting and the need for one. Several indicated their participation at the EFNEP meeting in Crystal City, VA – scheduled for March 110-13, 2008. Therefore, it was suggested to begin on March 13 and end on the 14th. Shirley will follow up on this concerning a meeting room and lodging.
Survey of Southern Region Childhood Overweight and Obesity Program – Judy expressed how pleased she was with the participation and impact. Thus far, 26 programs submitted and 14 of the 26 documented change. Judy will expand information in the program area and encouraged collaboration among specialist staff. It was suggested to add a box to check concerning evaluations used to the form. The info can be used for a journal article and also measure the program impact from the Southern Region. She needs revisions/corrections submitted to her by Feb. 1, 2008. Shirley asked to send ideas for next steps -- how to use and report the data to Judy. Claudette Smith (4-H PLN representative) reported that she received an e-mail from Judy on Dec. 12, 2007 referencing the survey. During the 4-H PLN Conference call on Jan. 10, 2008 the item was discussed. Prior to the Jan 10 conference call, Claudette forwarded the e-mail to the Southern Region 4-H representatives on Jan 7th.
State Reports
Arkansas – Ann Sortor – 2 specialist positions are available – Nutrition and Health. They are in the process of developing a statewide in-service for County agents. They are also collecting data for the Federal report and the Plan of Work for 2010.
Alabama – Eunice Bonsi - Representatives from 1890 community are in the process of writing a Childhood Obesity Prevention proposal. Conversations are encouraging collaboration between Extension and Research to strengthen proposals and program. Tuskegee and Southern are working to submit one Childhood Obesity proposal.
North Carolina A&T – Working with collaborators to implement Build Wealth initiative. They have agreements with Treasurers office and other community organizations.
Oklahoma – New Dean has been hired - Dr. Stephen Wilson. They will be soon advertising for 3 positions – Assoc. Dean, Personal Finance, and re-opening the Housing position. Requests for high school financial planning continue to be in demand. A SERA group addressing programming to the Hispanic population is planned for Feb. 12, 2008 in Atlanta, GA.
Tennessee – Thelma Sanders Hunter stated that a Health Education Specialist has been hired and will start Feb. 1st. They also anticipate hiring an Extension Agent in Chattanooga, TN for their Food Stamp program. Received grant with South Carolina Mobilizing Against Threats of Community Health (MATCH). TSU is working with several states to conduct a multistate Caregivers Conf in Oct. 2008. She is involved with the Community of Practice content group for caregivers.
Shirley indicated that their Dean of Extension search is underway and she serves as the Chair of the Search Committee.
Texas – Judy Warren – Noted the name changed to Texas AgriLIFE Extension Service. They have hired a Health Specialist for Worksite Wellness. CYFAR will be in San Antonio, TX - May 6-9th. Recently trained 60 volunteers to implement the Do Well Be Well diabetes initiative. Margaret Hale informed us that Dr. Linda Williams-Willis will assume the role of County Extension Director in Houston.
Carolyn Nobles – Shared the name of the new Interim Administrator for the Cooperative Extension Program– Dr. Freddie Richards. He also serves as the interim Dean of the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences. Plans are underway to conclude the diabetes outreach for the 2007-2008 funding cycle at PVAMU (Feb. 22nd) with a Diabetes Conference and Walk-a-thon. County staff will bring walking teams to participate.
Next conference call is Thursday, April 24, 2008 at 8:30 AM CST/ 9:30 AM EST.
Meeting adjourned.