Present:

Rick Maurer, University of Kentucky (Chair)

Carolyn Nobles, Prairie View A&M University (Vice-Chair)

Jack Bagent, Louisiana State University (Advisor)

Carla Craycraft, University of Kentucky

Bill Harris, Texas A&M University

Gloria Mosby, Prairie View A&M University

Bonnie P. Teater, Southern Rural Development Center

Absent:

Sarah Anderson, University of Arkansas

Charles Artis, South Carolina State University

Claude Bess, Oklahoma State University

Fred Broughton, South Carolina State University

Bo Beaulieu, Southern Rural Development Center

Lawrence Carter, Florida A&M University (Advisor)

Charles Cox, Oklahoma State University

Sam Felder, South Carolina State University

James Hill, South Carolina State University

Nickey Jefferson, West Virginia State College

Jerry Whiteside, University of Georgia

Jack Bagent provided a report on behalf of the Southern Extension Directors. He mentioned the fact that there will be many retirements during the upcoming year--both within the Director ranks and state
specialists and county staffs. He provided information regarding the Federal budget process and funding support for the land-grant system. He also discussed some of the multi-state programming needs and the importance of the Executive Director position within the South.

2001 Southern Region Program Leaders Meeting. Jack Bagent reported that Colien Hefferan has confirmed participating on the program in August. Bonnie Teater confirmed Ron Brown's participation on the program and in the PLC meetings. Fred Broughton will still need to confirm 1890 participation on the agenda.

Regional Committee Reports

Agriculture and Natural Resources--The Southern ANR met with North Central ANR leaders this Spring to discuss items of mutual interest. Bill Harris is the Southern representative on a national team that met with NRCS and Extension Service personnel to discuss joint activities. The upcoming Farm Bill has also been a major point of discussion with ANR leaders.

Communications and Information Technology--Committee is beginning to plan for the August meeting. The IT portion is gathering job descriptions for sharing. Discussions with 1890 will be explored to
further support 1890 institutions in their Communications effort.

Community Development--The CD Committee is working on curriculum development. Planning a joint meeting with Southern and North Central CRD leaders in February. CRED Base Team is sponsoring a national meeting that will be held in Southern region next February. SRDC is taking lead in getting organized and working with other regional rural development centers.

FCS--Committee meet by conference call and have developed an agenda for the Savannah meeting. Baby Boomers subgroup is developing workshop agenda.

4-H Youth Development--No report

Middle Management--Their latest report was included in the report to Southern Directors and Administrators.

Program and Staff Development--No report

New Items--Everyone was asked to submit changes to the PLC website. Also, everyone was asked to provide any multi-state agreements so that they can be put on the web for sharing across the region.

NEXT CALL--June 22, 9:00 a.m. (Central) / 10:00 a.m. (Eastern)