Extension names new program leaders
Sam
Cordes leads community development
By Beth Forbes
Sam Cordes, formerly a professor of agricultural economics
at the University of Nebraska, and an expert on rural development, is
now leading the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service effort
to help Indiana's communities improve economic development.
As Purdue Extension program leader for leadership and
community development, Cordes will work with Purdue faculty and educators
in partnership with local leaders and organizations across Indiana,
addressing a broad range of issues. Among the primary areas of focus
are:
- Community visioning and planning
- Economic and business development
- Work force development
- Local government needs
"Strong local leadership is the foundation for all
these activities and is another essential aspect of our efforts,"
Cordes says. "Our goal is to help communities think about and plan
for the future. Purdue Extension can provide them information, education
and local organizational capacity to help make that happen.
"Our educators understand local needs and community
dynamics, are already engaged with the community, and serve as a link
for local officials and organizations to tap into all the university's
resources."
Purdue Extension Director David Petritz says Cordes brings
a variety of experience to this position: "He has engaged in applied
research and policy analysis in areas including rural health care issues,
entrepreneurial agriculture, and asset-based community development."
Cordes served as department head of agricultural economics
at Nebraska and the University of Wyoming and was on the faculty at
Penn State University. At Nebraska, he also served as director of the
Center for Rural Community Revitalization and Development, director
of the Cooperative Development Center and senior associate in international
programs.
Cordes received his bachelor's degree from South Dakota
State University and his doctoral degree from Washington State University.
Leadership and community development is one of four areas
in which Purdue Extension offers programs. The others are consumer and
family sciences, 4-H and youth development, and agriculture and natural
resources.
Contact Cordes at smcordes@purdue.edu
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