This year marks the 150th anniversary of the federal Land-Grant Act (also known as the Morrill Act for its sponsor, Rep. Justin Morrill of Vermont), a watershed moment in American higher education. It is important to note that the basic guiding principles of the original land-grant framework are as relevant today as they were 150 years ago. At Nebraska we want to make sure we do not deviate from this original framework, while making appropriate adjustments to grow and change to remain relevant to Nebraskans.
UNL Extension is a critical component of the land grant philosophy and has been a partner with teaching and research for a long time at the University of Nebraska. The History of the College of Agriculture by Elvin Frolik and Rollie Graham states that although Extension dates it origins to the 1914 Smith--Lever Act, there had been extension work underway in the College back to 1892. Extension traces its ancestry to the Experiment Station. Early “Station” reports included a section entitled “Station Extension”. The link between research and extension continues to be critical to accomplishing the objectives of the land-grant framework.
UNL Extension can be proud of its history as one leg of the three legged stool of a land-grant university and remains dedicated to the land-grant mission of promoting access to higher education and applying research to meet the needs of Nebraskans. Much has happened in Extension to take us to where we are today. A lot of innovation and change has occurred to enhance UNL Extension’s capacity to meet ever changing needs. However, we cannot be satisfied with past successes; we must continue to work hard to evaluate the changing landscape and adjust accordingly. These are exciting times and the best days for UNL extension are in the future. UNL Extension can continue to make a positive difference for Nebraska!
-- Alan Moeller