On the road to stronger partnerships

WRDC is committed to strengthening relationships with partners across the West. This fall, we connected in person with Western Land-Grant Universities, 1994 Tribal Colleges, and Tribal Extension leaders to learn about their work, understand local priorities, and explore opportunities for collaboration that support rural communities and drive rural prosperity throughout the region.

Southwest Visits with Western Land-Grant Institutions

At the WRDC, we know that building strong relationships starts with showing up in person. In November, our team traveled across the Southwest to strengthen partnerships with land-grant institutions, learn about their work, and explore opportunities for collaboration.

• Phoenix, AZ – Met with community development faculty and staff of the University of Arizona
• Tsaile, AZ – Connected with Diné College Land-Grant Office faculty and staff
• Albuquerque, NM – Engaged with the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute administration
• Las Cruces, NM – Visited with the Community Economic Development team at New Mexico State University

These visits are essential as we work side by side with partners to strengthen rural communities and develop impactful research and Extension programming. WRDC looks forward to visiting more land-grant colleges and universities in 2026.

Engagement With Tribal Extension Staff and 1994 Land-Grant Institutions

In addition to visiting institutions in the Southwest, the end of the year brought two opportunities to meet, build connections, and gain further understanding of the 1994 Institutions and Tribal Extension programs in the West. 

In October, Dr. Paul Lewin and Amber Smyer represented the WRDC at the 21st Annual First American Land Grant Consortium (FALCON) Conference in Scottsdale, AZ – sharing the Center’s programs and connecting with incredible partners. A highlight of the event was the pre-conference tour of Spaces Of Opportunity, an inspiring model of community innovation featuring community gardens, farmer training, research partnerships, and a thriving farmers’ market.

In December, Dr. Lewin and Smyer, joined by Dr. Jim Lindstrom, attended Indian Country Extension Day in Las Vegas, NV, before the Intertribal Ag Council Annual Conference. This event provided a chance to reconnect with 1994 Land-Grant Extension staff and meet Federally-Recognized Tribes Extension Program (FRTEP) professionals. Discussions included funding and program updates on USDA NIFA Tribal Programs. These were timely conversations as notices of federal funding opportunities will be released in 2026 for eligible Land-Grant Institutions to apply for FRTEP and Tribal Colleges Extension Program grants. These funds are vital to support community-based Extension education that strengthens local and economic development initiatives in Native American communities.

These visits and engagements highlight WRDC’s commitment to collaboration, listening, and learning in service of rural and Indigenous communities throughout the West. By meeting directly with faculty, staff, and Extension professionals, WRDC enhances its understanding of community needs and strengthens partnerships that support research-based programming and long-term rural prosperity.

WRDC welcomes invitations to visit additional Western Land-Grant Colleges and Universities in 2026. To explore opportunities for collaboration or request a visit, please contact wrdc@uidaho.edu.