Affiliates WSU Extension

Washington State University Extension

With 40 locations throughout the state, WSU Extension is the front door to the University. Extension builds the capacity of individuals, organizations, businesses and communities, empowering them to find solutions for local issues and to improve their quality of life. Extension collaborates with communities to create a culture of life-long learning and is recognized for its accessible, learner-centered, relevant, high-quality, unbiased educational programs.

A Brief History of Extension

It’s hard to imagine farm life in Washington a century ago, a life devoid of conveniences we take for granted today. There were no telephones, running water or electricity. Light was provided by smoky kerosene lamps. Horses provided transportation as well as draft power. Food was cooked on wood or coal stoves. Clothes were washed by hand in a tub with homemade soap. Farm families faced a multitude of challenges and had few places to turn for help. Hungry for knowledge, thousands flocked to Farmer’s Institutes and demonstration trains staged by the Washington Experiment Station to hear about experiments at the state’s new land-grant college in Pullman. As a result, Washington State University Extension was created in 1914 under federal legislation authorizing the present extension system.

This long-standing partnership between USDA, WSU and our counties and tribal governments has evolved into the present day statewide WSU Extension system. Today, programs focus on agriculture and natural resources, including the Master Gardener program; youth and family programs, including 4-H Youth Development; nutrition and family-focused programs; and community and economic development. WSU Extension engages people, organizations, and communities to advance knowledge, economic well-being, and quality of life by fostering inquiry, learning, and the application of research.

Staff Contact

ERIC JOHNSON
Executive Director
(360) 489-3013
ejohnson@wsac.org

WSUED Officers

Kristine Perry
Chair
County Director
Clark County

Anthony Gromko
Vice Chair
County Director
Snohomish County

CARRIE BACKMAN
Immediate Past Chair
County Director
Wahkiakum County

Stephen Bramwell
Agriculture and Natural Resources Unit Board Member
County Director
Thurston County

Gary Fredricks
Community and Economic Development Unit Board Member
County Director
Cowlitz County

Alyssa Bowers
Youth & Families Unit Board Member
County Director
King County

JIM KROPF
Administrative Liaison
County Director
Pierce County and Statewide