Watch the latest edition of “Growing Palmetto,” the monthly YouTube showed hosted by South Carolina State University to showcase research, innovation and education.
ARDUPdates
A S S O C I AT I O N O F 1 8 9 0 R E S E A R C H D I R E C T O R S July 2025, Vol. 16, Issue 7
ARD and agInnovation South strengthen relationships The 1890 Research and agInnovation South directors Key Findings included: convened to strengthen coordinated activities and joint initia- Indicators of Success: tives during the Southern Mini Land-Grant Conference (June Jointly funded proposals. 9–12), jointly hosted by the University of Arkansas at Fayette- Interdisciplinary research. ville and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Leveraging institutional strengths. A conference highlight was the presentation of the Community trust-building. “Collaborations that Work” study, commissioned by both Student engagement and shared associations with support from the Southern Rural Developresources. ment Center (SRDC). Dr. John Green, SRDC Director, Challenges: shared findings from 18 interviews across eight states. The Difficulty identifying research study focused on: partners. Administrative barriers (e.g., spon1. Strengthening 1890–1862 land-grant collaborations. sored programs, budgeting). 2. Understanding faculty interaction and communication. Distance between campuses and 3. Identifying best practices and gaps. Highlighting barriers and strategies for improvement. See Collaboration on Page 7
DR. JOHN GREEN
Message from the Chair | D R . W E S L E Y W H I T T A K E R Dear Friends and Colleagues, Summer is officially here, bringing with it an intense heat wave across much of the United States. Please take precautions to stay safe and cool, however you can. Whether it’s a pool, lake, river, the ocean—or even your trusty bathtub—find water and stay refreshed. As you stay cool and hydrated this season, know that ARD remains active and engaged throughout the summer. Our participation spans several key events, including the Southern Mini Land-Grant Conference (see article above), the Association for ComDR. W. WHITTAKER munication Excellence (ACE), the annual summer conference of the Association of Extension Administrators (AEA) and the BAA Summer Leadership Conference. Meanwhile, we continue to advocate for FY 2026 appropriations and prepare to commemorate the 135th Anniversary of the Second Morrill Act of 1890.
ARD was honored to participate in and serve as a Platinum Sponsor of the 2025 ACE Conference, held June 16–18 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. This annual event brought together leaders and professionals committed to advancing excellence in agricultural and Extension communications. Representatives from 11 of the 1890 land-grant universities—including directors and communications specialists— were actively engaged in this well-organized, timely and content -rich conference. The sessions provided valuable insights on innovative communication strategies, digital engagement, storytelling and the evolving role of communications in supporting land-grant missions. The conference theme, “Say Cheese,” added an enjoyable and lively flair to the event, with clever cheese puns sprinkled generously throughout the sessions, keeping spirits high and energy strong. ACE 2024–2025 President ChaNaè Bradley, senior communications specialist at Fort Valley State University, served as an inspiring and dynamic leader. During the conference, she reflected on a year marked by intentional leadership, meaningful See Whittaker Page 8
1
V i s i t u s o n l i n e a t w w w. u m e s . eAdRuD /UaPrDdA T E S / J U L Y 2 0 2 5