Faces of Extension: Andy Turner

My parents were both extension agents, and my grandfather was a dairy specialist and extension agent in New Hampshire during the rural electrification era. Growing up in an extension family, the values of education, agriculture, and community have always been central to my life. That connection to agriculture and education is deeply meaningful to me, and it shapes how I think about my new role.

I began as a community-based educator in Rockland County. I spent my early years as a 4-H educator, learning the ropes and figuring out how to make a difference in my community. What I quickly realized was that extension work requires creativity. Unlike traditional educators, we don't have classrooms full of students who come to us. Instead, we have to figure out what's needed in the community and how to address those needs using the resources available to us. This experience sparked an interest in the larger picture of extension, leading me back to Cornell to pursue a master's degree and eventually stepping into leadership roles at both county and state levels. I spent nearly a decade leading the New York State 4-H program, but this new role (as senior associate dean and director for Cornell Cooperative Extension) offers a broader opportunity to contribute to the organization's legacy and future. 

I view extension as a dynamic, interconnected system that thrives when educators, campus partners, and national networks work together. The land-grant model is built on the idea of taking research and knowledge from the university out to the communities, and it's a two-way street. Engaging with communities in a collaborative way ensures that research is strengthened by the experiences and knowledge of the people we serve. 

New York State is incredibly diverse, and the communities we serve are just as varied. This means that extension educators must be adaptable and responsive to local needs, while also staying connected to the university's resources. It’s not just about delivering information—it’s about building partnerships, fostering collaboration, and creating spaces where people can learn and grow together. The process of education is just as important as the content itself, and that’s something I hold close to my heart.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is, at its core, a collaborative effort between the university, the educators, and the public. I think our decentralized structure, though sometimes seen as cumbersome, is actually one of our greatest strengths. It allows for innovation and responsiveness at the local level. This partnership model is why I believe CCE is one of the most dynamic extension systems in the country.

Looking ahead, I see tremendous potential for extension to address big challenges like climate change. Just recently, we had a program that brought together educators from across the state to focus on climate adaptation and resilience. This kind of collaboration is where I think we can make the most impact. By bringing together our local strengths and the resources of Cornell, we can tackle these major issues in a way that benefits communities across the state.

Of course, there are challenges ahead. One of the biggest is navigating the post-COVID world. While technology and remote learning have become more prevalent, we've also learned that human connection is irreplaceable. Extension thrives on personal relationships and community building, and I believe that’s something we must hold onto even as we adapt to new ways of working and learning. The pandemic showed us the value of what we do in extension—people need each other to learn, grow, and make decisions.

My focus is on building trust, fostering collaboration, and ensuring that CCE remains a vital resource for New Yorkers. I’m optimistic about the future and excited to continue the work of engaging communities, supporting educators, and leveraging Cornell’s resources to make a real difference.