Number CLXXVIII The Newsletter of Epsilon Sigma PhiJanuary 2025


 President's Message

Jennifer Wilson, National ESP President

As we embark on a new year, I want to extend my warmest wishes for a bright and successful 2025 to each of you. This year, our theme is "Adding Value," and I am committed to ensuring that our organization continues to be a meaningful resource and community for all members.

Looking ahead, I encourage you to mark your calendars for the Extension Leadership Conference, taking place February 19-20 in beautiful Savannah, Georgia. This event is an excellent opportunity to connect with peers, gain new insights, and enhance your leadership skills. I hope to see many of you there as we come together to grow both personally and professionally.

This year’s National ESP Conference will be in Fort, Worth, Texas, October 6-9.  I recently had a chance to visit downtown Fort Worth and our conference hotel, and  can assure you this will be an experience you won’t want to miss! We’re currently accepting concurrent session proposals, and I encourage you to share your expertise and innovative ideas with your colleagues. The deadline to submit proposals is March 1—don’t miss this chance to shine and inspire others.

Our organization thrives because of the dedication and involvement of members like you. If you’re looking for ways to make a greater impact, consider applying to serve on a committee or even the national board. These roles provide a rewarding way to shape the future of our association while building lasting connections and honing your leadership skills. The application deadline is April 1. 

As we move through 2025, let’s work together to add value—to our work, to our colleagues, and to ourselves. Thank you for being an essential part of ESP. I look forward to all we will accomplish together in the year ahead.

Best regards,

Jennifer Wilson

National ESP President


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 Exciting Lineup of Presenters for Webinar Series

The ESP National Professional Development Committee is thrilled to announce a stellar lineup of presenters for its upcoming professional development webinar series. This monthly series, held on the second Monday of each month, will feature expert insights on a variety of topics relevant to extension professionals. Tentative times will be 1 pm ET/10 am PT.  

Webinar Series Dates and Presenters:

  • February 10, 2025: Surine Greenway will share insights on "Get the Dish!: Collaboration to Extend Extension's Educational Reach."

  • March 10, 2025: Jenny Lobb will explore "Book Clubs as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Strategy."

These webinars offer ESP members a unique opportunity to enhance their skills, network with colleagues, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the field. Individual webinar registrations will be released the month before each event. 

Register for Webinars TODAY!


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 Celebrating Milestones and Advancing Initiatives

Submitted by the Resources Development and Management Committee

We’re thrilled to share exciting updates from our recent activities!

Treasurer Role Overview

The Treasurer will serve as a non-voting liaison to the National ESP Board and the RDM Committee, enhancing financial oversight without replacing the Executive Director's responsibilities. The role includes monitoring day-to-day financial activities, ensuring proper financial controls and compliance with all organizational rules.

This volunteer position requires a 2-year term commitment.  Applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and references for consideration. For full details, visit Treasurer Position Information.

Conference Success Stories

Our recent conference was a resounding success! Highlights include:

  • Fundraising Achievements: We surpassed our $12,000 goal, raising over $14,000 through innovative strategies like QR codes, stickers, and a popular lottery tree.

  • Celebrating Progress: Contributions outside of membership and conference fees exceeded $26,000, thanks to sponsors, store sales, auctions, and more.

Looking Ahead

Our shared achievements, from refining the Treasurer role to strengthening our fundraising efforts, reflect the collective dedication of our ESP community. The committee will continue to brainstorm new ideas for development campaigns that meet the needs of all of our members as we move toward our 100th anniversary celebration. 

Together, we are building a stronger future for ESP, driven by innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to excellence.

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National Conference and Webinar Proposals

Share Your Expertise! Epsilon Sigma Phi Calls for National Conference and Webinar Proposals

Calling all Extension professionals! Do you have innovative program ideas, cutting-edge research results, or inspiring leadership strategies you're eager to share? This year, the National Epsilon Sigma Phi (ESP) wants to hear from YOU!

Mark your calendars, because the call for proposals for the 2025 ESP professional development opportunities is officially open! This includes proposals for our National Conference to be held in Fort Worth, TX and our monthly online webinar series. This is your chance to take center stage and share your expertise with colleagues from across the country. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a rising star, ESP welcomes presentations on diverse topics relevant to the ever-evolving Extension landscape.  We also encourage Life Members to submit proposals. 

Ignite Your Passion, Spark Discussions:

  • Showcase successful programs: Did you develop a groundbreaking outreach initiative? Share your insights and inspire others to replicate your success.

  • Present your research findings: Unveiling valuable data or impactful methodologies? Let your research inform and shape the future of Extension.

  • Lead engaging workshops: Got a practical skill or technique to share? Design a hands-on session that leaves your audience ready to take action.

  • Spark thought-provoking panels: Assemble a diverse group of voices to tackle a pressing issue and ignite crucial conversations.

Why present at the ESP National Conference or the ESP Webinar Series?

  • Boost your professional profile: Gain recognition among your peers and establish yourself as a leader in the field.

  • Connect with a nationwide network: Build valuable relationships with colleagues from across the country, expanding your professional circle.

  • Contribute to Extension's future: Shape the conversation and influence the direction of Extension by sharing your knowledge and experience.

  • Enjoy a vibrant conference experience: Immerse yourself in learning, networking, and professional development in a stimulating environment.

Submitting your proposal is easy! Visit the ESP website or the links below for detailed guidelines and the online submission form. The deadline to submit is March 1, 2025 so don't wait!  This is your opportunity to share your passion, expertise, and make a lasting impact on the field of Extension. We encourage you to step out of your comfort zone, embrace the spotlight, and submit your proposal today!  If you have questions, please contact Paul Roback, ESP Professional Development Committee Chair at paul.roback@wisc.edu.

National Conference Proposal Submission Link
           ESP Webinar Series Submission Link


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Invitation to 2025 National ESP Conference

Save The Date: October 6-9, 2025 in Fort Worth, TX


Membership Campaign

It's membership renewal time! Don't forget to pay your annual dues by February 1st to be eligible for scholarships, grants, and awards! To ensure your dues are paid, click on your name in gold at the top right corner of your screen, then click on the invoices tab. If you need assistance call or email the national office.

Know someone who should join your ESP Chapter? Click the button below and send this link to a friend!

Send This Link to a Friend and Ask Them to Join ESP!

www.portal.espnational.org/new-member-application

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JCEP Conferences

Registration Now Open for the 2025 JCEP Extension Leadership Conference

Join us for an unforgettable experience at the 2025 JCEP Extension Leadership Conference in beautiful Savannah, GA, on Wednesday, February 19, and Thursday, February 20.

This year’s conference offers cutting-edge leadership insights and an exceptional lineup of presentations from renowned leaders in Extension, State, and Federal Government.

Conference Highlights:

  • Karl Bradley, Extension Foundation, with two powerful new presentations, including “All-Time Super Best” and “The Key to Motivation and High-Performing Teams.”
  • Dr. J. Scott Angle, Senior Vice President, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Florida, presenting “Trends in Leadership Amid Changing Times.”
  • Former Georgia Governor Nathan Deal sharing his insights with “Making a Stand on Shifting Sands.”
  • A dynamic panel discussion from leaders in the U.S. Department of Agriculture
  • Recognition of our JCEP Award Winner.
  • Concurrent and poster sessions featuring innovative ideas and achievements from Extension professionals across the nation.

Preconference Event:

  • Join us to kick off the event with our optional preconference walking tour, “Dark History Tour of Savannah,” on Tuesday, February 18, from 7 to 9 p.m. Enjoy an evening of intriguing local history while networking with colleagues. We’ll dive headfirst into the eerie side of the city. Remember, the only thing more spine-tingling than the darkness of Savannah will be the truth behind it.
  • Registration Details:
  • Don’t miss the early bird rate (until Jan. 24): $495
  • Must-do optional tour (separate registration process): $40
  • Late registration (Jan. 25 and later): $595
  • Spaces are limited, so register for the conference today at www.jcep.org/elc to secure your spot at this premier Extension leadership event! To register for the Dark History Tour please click here.

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Upcoming Deadlines

January 24 - ELC Early Bird Registration

Save the Date

JCEP ELC February 19-20, 2025 Savannah Georgia

JCEP PILD April 7-9, 2025 Arlington, VA

2025 ESP National Conference October 6-9 Fort Worth, Texas

2026 ESP National Conference Springfield, Illinois

This newsletter is a publication of Epsilon Sigma Phi, Inc. - The Extension Professionals' Organization

espnational.org