Interim President J. Bonnie Newman has announced that public service efforts and initiatives at the University of New Hampshire – including Cooperative Extension and the Outreach Scholarship Office – will now be managed out of the Office of Academic Affairs. In addition, the Office of Research and Public Service was renamed the Office of Research to reflect the change as well as an increased focus on the rapidly growing areas of externally funded research and economic development initiatives with private companies and state and federal agencies.

The Undergraduate Research Conference and the Leitzel Center for Mathematics, Science and Engineering Education will continue to report to John Aber, vice president for research. The Office for Research will also continue to oversee, support, promote and manage externally funded research, strategic initiatives with businesses and legislative partners, and development and commercialization of intellectual property.

“This restructuring will allow us to strengthen our goals around engagement and outreach in the academic plan by linking them more directly with our teaching and learning missions,” said Bruce Mallory, provost and executive vice president.

Cooperative Extension is the largest and oldest outreach component of the university and is closely associated with the university’s Land Grant mission. With more than 140 staff in all 10 counties of the state, Cooperative Extension provides research-based education and information to citizens, enhancing their ability to make informed decisions that strengthen youth, families and communities; sustain natural resources; and improve the economy.

Engagement and outreach, one of five strategic themes in the university’s academic plan, continues to be a priority for the future. The university is committed to extending its ideas, expertise and services to meet the needs of the people of New Hampshire, New England and beyond through Outreach Scholarship and related initiatives. In collaboration with institutes and centers on the campus, including the Carsey Institute, the Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans and Space, and the marine program, the office will continue to work with community partners to broaden its efforts to generate and apply knowledge to directly benefit the public.