November 2025
District Director Notes - Jay Harris
From October 20–23, Cottonwood District agents attended the K-State Extension Annual Conference in Manhattan, joining Extension professionals, university faculty, and community partners from across Kansas. This annual gathering is one of the most important opportunities for our agents to engage in professional development, strengthen statewide connections, and bring back fresh ideas to better serve our local communities.
The conference theme centered around innovation, collaboration, and engagement, emphasizing how Extension continues to adapt to meet the changing needs of Kansans. Over the course of the four days, agents participated in a variety of workshops and discussions on topics such as youth leadership development, community health, agriculture innovation, natural resource management, volunteer engagement, and effective communication strategies. They also heard from K-State leadership and keynote speakers who shared inspiring stories of how Extension’s work continues to make a difference across the state.
Beyond the sessions, the conference provided valuable time for networking and idea sharing among districts. Agents exchanged success stories and discussed ways to improve local programming and outreach. These peer connections help strengthen the larger K-State Extension network, ensuring that every district benefits from the creativity and expertise of others.
The Cottonwood team returned home with a renewed sense of purpose and several actionable ideas to apply in Barton and Ellis Counties. Whether it’s enhancing educational programs, strengthening partnerships with local organizations, or finding new ways to reach residents with research-based information, the learning gained from this conference directly supports our mission to help people improve their lives, livelihoods, and communities.
Professional development is at the heart of what we do in K-State Extension. When our agents grow their knowledge and skills, the impact ripples through every program and partnership in our district. I’m incredibly proud of our Cottonwood team for their dedication to learning, leadership, and service. Their commitment ensures that we continue to provide trusted, relevant, and meaningful education that meets the needs of the people we serve today—and prepares us for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
Learning, Leading, and Connecting: Cottonwood Agents at the K-State Extension Annual Conference