U of I at the center of rural Community Support
Dear Vandals,
As Idaho’s land-grant institution, the University of Idaho focuses on student access and sharing research through its extension network. As the new home of the Western Rural Development Center (WRDC), the U of I will leverage its expertise to help strengthen rural communities around the state and beyond.
“I think it’s an excellent opportunity to help communities across the West solve problems,” said Paul Lewin, executive director of the WRDC. “We’re very strong in community development and this is a way for us to be on the map in this area. Centers like this don’t move very often, so this was a rare opportunity for the university to shape the future of rural development.”
The federally-funded WRDC focuses on enterprise development, capacity of land-grant universities and partners, civic capacity and land use/public policy. Many U of I programs, such as online entrepreneurship classes, digital skills training, leadership courses and health care training can be scaled to serve more people across the West and strengthen rural communities.
Lewin previously served as an associate professor, UI Extension specialist and director of the Rural Studies and Digital Economy programs. A big part of Lewin’s new role is to build relationships with universities and state and federal agencies in the west to share ideas and leverage strengths to benefit rural communities.
“Being an Extension specialist taught me the value of research-driven programs,” Lewin said. “This role allows me to continue my research and extension efforts while increasing my collaboration with faculty, local leaders and stakeholders in the West to create sustainable, long-term solutions. It’s an incredible responsibility, but it’s also deeply aligned with the work I’ve been passionate about throughout my career.”
Lewin said the WRDC provides great avenues for graduate and postdoctoral students to put their research into action. And he hopes to expand opportunities for undergraduate students to engage as the center develops.
The U of I is proud to build on its legacy of supporting rural communities across the state.
“Hosting the center positions the university as a major player in rural development, establishing it as a recognized hub for research, innovation, education and training in rural development,” Lewin said. “It also becomes a focal point for community-driven initiatives and evidence-based policy recommendations that can significantly influence the future of rural areas.”
Go Vandals!
C. Scott Green
President
Taken from President C. Scott Green’s Friday Newsletter (September 27, 2024)
