What are PRU’s?
PRU stands for Program & Research Units. These are statewide Extension discipline-focused teams that organize collective work, establish campus & field programs as well as research plans to meet the needs of Coloradans. PRUs also provide accountability through reporting metrics to amplify the value of Extension in Colorado.
PRU RESPONSIBILITIES
- Identify issues and data to support local needs/demands
- Create/update Plan of Work (POW) with outputs and outcomes and unit goals including DEI integration
- Network field-based and campus-based Extension faculty
- Develop, implement, evaluate, and report programs
- Identify and disseminate best practices
- Leverage OEE and campus resources to build quality, relevant programs and products
- Quality control, peer review for content and materials
- Timely and accurate reporting, including impact reports for local and national reporting
- Provide relevant and timely professional development
- Collaborate on research projects and grant applications CURRENT PRUs (AFTER FORUM)
Current Extension PRUs:
Each PRU utilizes work teams, issue-based groups allowing people to come and go as needed. Work teams are nested within and between PRUs focused on timely issues and program development/needs.
| Name/Discipline | Leader |
|---|---|
| 4-H and Youth | Trent Hollister (interim) |
| Community & Economic Development | Patti Schmitt, Dawn Thilmany, Heather Meyer, Willie Wilkins |
| Agriculture | Ron Meyer, Gus Westerman, Todd Ballard, Emily Lockard, John Ritten |
| Horticulture | Tony Koski, Deryn Davidson, Alison O’Connor |
| Food Systems | Becca Jablonski, Libby Christensen |
| Natural Resources | Beth Hayes, Linda Masters |
| Health & Wellbeing | Sue Schneider, Christine Fruhauf, Sheila Beckley, Katie Seelhoff |
RECENT GOALS & WORK BY PRUs
Below are the 2022 ‘Issue Canvases’ outlining PRU’s medium- or long-term goals. Issue Canvases are intended to help PRUs clarify and communicate shared goals, ‘theories of change’ for how to achieve those goals, indicators of success (outcome indicators), and high-level plans for evaluation. This structure is under review and will be changing for FY24.
