In this episode of Sagebrushers, University of Nevada, Reno President Brian Sandoval meets with Dr. Jake DeDecker, director of the University of Nevada, Reno Extension and associate dean for engagement in the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology & Natural Resources. DeDecker, who began his role with Extension in the summer of 2022, previously worked with Extension at Michigan State University.

During the episode, Sandoval and DeDecker explore DeDecker’s background growing up on a pig farm in Illinois as well as their shared experience of participating in the 4-H program as children. DeDecker also talks about the broad-reaching impact of Extension, which is located in all 16 Nevada counties and Carson City, and the unique roles it plays in each community. In addition, they discuss the evolution of Extension from its agriculture and mechanical arts roots to the community education and economic development program that exists today.