Tool Shed Tour
By Randy Woodson, Dean of Purdue Agriculture

A critical part of Purdue's mission as a land-grant university is to meet the needs of our citizens and help improve their lives and communities. Finding out what issues are important to the public is essential if we are to fulfill this mission.

Indiana's county fair season provided an opportunity for Purdue Agriculture to connect with a wide cross section of the population. In July, we launched the “Tool Shed Tour,” a series of stops around the state to meet face-to-face with our many stakeholders. It's also been a chance for me to share how Purdue Agriculture finds solutions to economic, social and scientific problems through research, education and Extension.

The tour has been a great success, and I've come in contact with people I would not ordinarily meet. As I travel around the state, I'm impressed by the expertise that Purdue Extension educators bring to the counties with programs that meet the needs of their communities. I also see the invaluable service provided by volunteers, who serve on local Extension boards, as 4-H leaders and in countless other capacities. Our counties are in good hands.

Several other representatives from Purdue Agriculture have joined me on the road, so that we can expand our reach throughout the state. This vital connection allows us to share our vision of Purdue Agriculture, and the feedback we receive is a measure of how well we're meeting the needs of Indiana citizens.

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