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Introducing Your Incoming 2024-2025 Board Members
President-Elect - Tyrone Gentry, Kentucky / Alpha Kappa
Tyrone demonstrates a deep commitment to professional development and community service. Throughout his distinguished 29-year career, he has consistently sought opportunities to enhance his skills and contribute to the advancement of his field. His expertise is recognized on a national level, as evidenced by his presentations at conferences hosted by three different program organizations. Tyrone's leadership extends beyond individual achievement. He has served as president of two state-level professional development organizations, actively managing their web presence and member engagement strategies. His dedication to the ESP organization is evident through his active participation at both the national and chapter levels and being consistently recognized through various appointments and awards. In his role on the board, Tyrone is excited about fostering connections between all members, creating a strong network that supports newly hired professionals, tenured members, and retirees alike.
North Central Region Vice President - Paul Roback, Wisconsin / Alpha Sigma
Since 2001, I have strived to connect individuals and communities to the University of Wisconsin. As a county-based community development educator for UW-Madison’s Division of Extension, I've provided organizational development programming that has built the capacity of 100+ nonprofits, community organizations, coalitions, local governments, and school districts.
Since joining Wisconsin’s Alpha Sigma Chapter in 2005, I have served two-terms as President and have chaired the Retiree Services Committee since 2011. After attending several National ESP Conferences and serving on the National Membership Retention and Recruitment Committee for the past two years, I am excited to join the National Board! I have benefited from my ESP membership, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to help navigate our journey to cultivating a strong and relevant organization that meets the evolving needs of our membership.
Southern Region Vice President - Jenna Daniel, Georgia / Alpha Beta
Jenna Daniel serves as the Extension 4-H Specialist for Grants. In her role, she works to better understand how meaningful partnerships, community engagement, and grant and fund development opportunities impact community programming and increase organizational capacity. Jenna has been with the University of Georgia Extension since 2010 and has served as a County 4-H Agent, AmeriCorps Grant Program Coordinator, and Extension 4-H Specialist. Jenna received her Bachelor of Science at Western Kentucky University, Masters of Agricultural Leadership at the University of Georgia, and Doctorate in Adult Education at the University of Georgia. Jenna has been a member of Epsilon Sigma Phi since 2014, is a member of the national Resource Development and Management Committee, and currently serves as the President of the Alpha Beta Chapter. Jenna resides in Watkinsville, Georgia with her husband and two children.
“I’m thrilled to serve our Southern Region as Vice President over the next two years and be a connection between the national organization and state chapters. This will allow me to learn more about Extension and its impact throughout our region and across the country. I’m very excited for this opportunity!”
ESP Urban & Culturally Diversity Audiences Affinity Group
By: Melinda Garcia, Ph.D., Co-Chair, UCDA Affinity Group
What value does your affinity group provide? The past few years, the UCDA affinity group has held Quarterly Live Discussions. This platform lends itself to engaging, intellectual stimulating discussions to have a better understanding of topics within diversity, equity, access, inclusion, urban, and rural areas from different program areas. To continue to bring value, we are seeking suggestions for speakers for the upcoming year. While the discussions are for our UCDA members, we encourage non-UCDA affinity group members and non-ESP individuals to attend. The more the merrier! The wealth of knowledge our speakers provide is a testament to our commitment in providing quality professional development. The array of backgrounds from our speakers spreads across the gamete, allowing different perspectives from both inside and outside Extension. Do you know someone who is dynamic and respected in their field that can be a potential guest speaker for our Quarterly Live Discussions? If so, please reach out to the ESP UCDA leadership team to provide contact information. We greatly appreciate your help in this endeavor to continue to bring value to our members.
Please contact: Morgan D. Foster morgan.foster@ag.tamu.edu Melinda Garcia Melinda.garcia@oregonstate.edu
Dive into "An Ocean of Opportunity" at the 2024 National Epsilon Sigma Phi Conference!
The National Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP) Professional Development Committee is thrilled to announce over 60 professional development opportunities at the conference in Virginia Beach, VA, from October 27th to 31st!
The conference promises a deep dive into a vast array of scholarly pursuits. ESP received nearly 100 proposals for concurrent sessions, research presentations, ignite talks, and poster sessions. To ensure the highest quality content, all submissions underwent a rigorous blind peer-review process. Attendees can expect a program brimming with cutting-edge scholarship and insightful discussions.
Whether you're a seasoned researcher or just starting your academic journey, "An Ocean of Opportunity" has something for everyone. Network with colleagues, engage in stimulating discussions, and discover new avenues for professional growth.
Don't miss out! Register early to take advantage of the special early bird discounts available to members and non-members. Visit the ESP website for more information and to register. See you in Virginia Beach!
Call For Auction Items
As in the past, we would appreciate receiving donations for the LIVE and SILENT auctions. These two auctions have been a tradition at each ESP Conference. The funds received from the auction are used for ESP recognition awards, scholarships, and grants given to our members. In addition, you can have “fun” outbidding your colleagues for the item you really, really want to take home.
Please deliver your items during the registration times to the Auction Table near the Registration Desk at the conference on Monday, October 28, or Tuesday, October 29, along with a completed ESP Auction Donation Form with a description and the estimated value of your item. The link to the form is at: ESP Auction Donation Form. Upon request, we will provide you with a receipt.
If you plan to donate item(s) for the auction, each item must be registered. Use the Donation Form for each item you donate to the auction. Complete the form(s) and turn both in at the Auction Table near the Registration Desk. Include a description and an estimated value for the item. If it is an item for the live auction, the description can help create interest among the buyers, particularly when there is a history or story about it.
If you wish to ship your donation, please ensure it will arrive in Virginia on or before October 22, 2024. Remember to include the ESP Auction Donation Form in your shipment and send it to:
Ruth Wallace, ESP Auction Co-Chair
Virginia Cooperative Extension
54 Administration Lane
PO Box 227
Buckingham, VA 23921
Questions? Please contact co-chairs Ruth Wallace at ruwallac@vt.edu or (434) 969-4261 or Jennifer Bowen at jebowen1@vt.eduor (434)738-6191 ext. 4371.
Have You Made Your Conference Donation Yet?
We’re so excited to announce that there are two ways in which you can support ESP in conjunction with the national conference. The first is the traditional $100 donation to the ESP Development Fund to receive the conference lapel pin. The second option supports ESP’s Operating Development Fund through the Road to 100 sticker campaign. Last year was the inaugural year of the campaign as we prepare to celebrate Epsilon Sigma Phi’s 100th anniversary in 2027. For the five years leading up to the 100th anniversary celebration, members have the opportunity to purchase a commemorative sticker for $19.27 (we were chartered in 1927). Those who purchase a commemorative sticker in each of the five years will have contributed a total of $96.35 to the endowment and be given the opportunity to donate an additional $3.65 to make it an even $100 in celebration of 100 years. These donations will help to bolster our operating investment funds which help to offset operating costs and keep member dues to a minimum. There are still a limited number of 2023 stickers available if you missed out on starting your collection at last year’s conference.
There are two ways donations can be made toward the yearly commemorative pin and the special anniversary commemorative stickers. Donations can be made as an add-on when you register for the conference, or you can make the donations and receive the pin and sticker on location during the conference. Either way you’ll be supporting a great cause!
Official 2024 ESP Conference Pin $100 Donation
The Second Sticker in the Road to 100 Collection, $19.27 Donation
ESP Life Members Reunite at Virginia Beach
We're looking forward to seeing and learning from life members at Virginia Beach in October. We’ll gather for networking at 4:00 PM prior to the opening event on Monday, October 28. This will be a great time to see who’s there and plan for additional interaction during the conference.
There are two tours planned for you. In order to avoid conflicts with the conference both are being offered on Wednesday afternoon, October 30th. Choices are either to visit the 175 acres and 53 themed gardens of the Norfolk Botanical Garden by tram and on foot OR learn about the maritime intersection of environment, industry, and military visiting the Nauticus discovery center and battleship Wisconsin. You will need to make your selection when you register! Please register early. See you soon. Karen Vines – Virginia Alpha Gamma Chapter ESP Life Member Tour Chair kavines@gmail.com
Book Your Tour TODAY!Save the Date: Past President's Reception
All Past National ESP Presidents are invited to attend the Past President's Reception at the National ESP Conference on Wednesday October 30th, 2024 from 11:00-11:45 am. Past President's registered fore the conference will receive an email with more details prior to the conference.
JCEP Announces Dates, Locations for 2025 conferences
The Joint Commission of Extension Professionals (JCEP) provides learning opportunities for Extension professionals. Mark your calendars for the 2025 conferences.
- ELC (Extension Leadership Conference) will be held February 19-20, 2025 in Savannah, GA.
- PILD (Public Issues Leadership Development) will be held April 7-9 in Arlington, VA, with April 9 reserved for Hill visits.
Announcing the 2026 National ESP Conference Location: Springfield, IL. Official dates and details coming soon.
Thank you to Illinois Alpha Nu Chapter for hosting
Save the Date
2024 ESP National Conference October 27-31 Virginia Beach, Virginia
2025 ESP National Conference October 6-9 Fort Worth, Texas
2026 ESP National Conference Springfield, Illinois
JCEP ELC February 19-20, 2025 Savannah Georgia
JCEP PILD April 7-9, 2025 Arlington, VA
Deadlines
August 15 - Early Bird Conference Registration Deadline
This newsletter is a publication of Epsilon Sigma Phi, Inc. - The Extension Professionals' Organization