In August 2024, the University of Maryland Extension (UME) embarked on a planning process to develop a stakeholder-driven strategic plan and identify priorities to amplify our impact, uplift our community and support stakeholders across Maryland. Thank you to all who got involved and dedicated your time, perspectives and expertise to this process.
As we look to the future, we are energized by what lies ahead, and confident in the guidance of our new five-year strategic plan.
UME empowers people and communities to improve their lives by offering transformative, science-based education and leading collaborative partnerships across Maryland and beyond.
UME will be known for addressing the most pressing challenges facing our communities through responsive education and resources, impactful research and innovative collaboration.
Our plan is structured around four key priorities providing guidance and focus for our work. Each priority is supported by a clear goal, actionable strategies and measurable success metrics to track progress.
UME is committed to providing Marylanders with high-quality, research-backed knowledge and resources to address the most pressing challenges they face in their lives and communities. The impact and relevance of our work is enhanced by a strategic focus on key areas – integrating agriculture, food and health, promoting environmental stewardship and empowering Marylanders through lifelong learning. High-impact programming and an emphasis on applied research will further improve the lives of all Marylanders, strengthening UME’s position as a trusted source of knowledge that empowers individuals and communities to thrive.
While UME is widely respected among those familiar with our work, there is a need to elevate our visibility and engage a broader audience across the state. By strengthening our brand, improving communication strategies and leveraging new technologies, UME will become a trusted resource for all of Maryland.
Our impact is amplified through strong partnerships with academic colleagues, government agencies, industry leaders and community organizations. Fostering a culture of collaboration creates a more integrated, responsive, and effective network, supporting our goals to co-create solutions with partners and ensure our work remains relevant and deeply rooted in the needs of Maryland’s communities.
Our people are the core of this work, driving our commitment to strengthening internal systems, investing in our people and ensuring UME can deliver high-quality programming, build deep community connections and feel valued and supported. Supporting and sustaining talent extends beyond systems – it’s about equipping UME employees with the tools, resources and mentorship they need to succeed and grow professionally.
This strategic plan is the result of a process focused on listening and learning with our entire community, and it reflects the energy, care and expertise of many dedicated individuals across our organization and our state. The development of this plan was a collaborative and inclusive effort, reflecting the voices of those we serve and those who power our work. This process was designed to ensure all stakeholders – community members, partners and employees – had the opportunity to share their perspectives.
From December 2024 to January 2025, we held virtual and in-person town halls in 13 counties across the state, allowing 259 community members and stakeholders to discuss UME’s impact, future direction and the evolving needs of Marylanders. To gain a deeper understanding of our internal strengths and opportunities, seven listening sessions were held across the state, engaging 120 UME employees in meaningful discussions about our organization’s future.
With this engagement as our foundation, the steering committee and Extension leadership came together for a strategic planning retreat to develop the plan framework. The draft strategic plan was circulated with UME faculty and staff for feedback and shared with external stakeholders for review prior to being finalized.
We are deeply grateful to the steering committee members who guided our planning process and dedicated their time to inform the development of the plan and ensure the voices of their UME colleagues were heard. Your contributions have been invaluable in shaping UME’s future direction.
