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New vice chancellor of MU Extension named

The new vice chancellor with the University of Missouri Extension says scaling up the programs offered across the state is his top priority.

Extension programs connect land-grant universities with communities for non-formal education and events. Chad Higgins tells Brownfield there are many needs in Missouri.

“We’re looking at scaling up our programming around economic development, agricultural growth and stewardship, educational access and excellence and health and well-being.”

Higgins says MU Extension already exists in all counties and St. Louis, but he’d like to increase that presence so more people know resources are available.

“We reach about 600,000 to 700,000 people each year through programming and I’d like to double that in five years,” he says. “We’re going to work hard to meet people where they’re at.”

Higgins has been serving as the interim vice chancellor of MU Extension since last year and on March 1, he will step into a more permanent role.