A Visionary Remembered 
This issue of the Ag Magazine includes the extension annual report, and our thoughts inevitably turn to Larry Turner, who served as leader of the Cooperative Extension Service from 2002 until August 27, 2006, when he lost his life in a Lexington plane crash.
Larry's slogan "Re-envisioning Extension" captured his plans to prepare Cooperative Extension for its second century. During his too-brief term, many of those plans were realized, thanks to his dedication and that of all who worked with him.
Larry understood that extension, like politics, is all local. The core objective of Re-envisioning Extension was to enhance the capacity of our county offices to serve their communities.
That goal helped focus the College on increasing state support for county programs and improving training for county agents and staff. Larry's career ladder for agents directly links rewards to professional skills development. Many new learning opportunities from his team are now beginning to come on line.
Re-envisioning Extension also included a commitment to serve Kentucky 's changing population in new, creative ways. Larry began innovative programs in health, economic development, environment, and culture. Several new partners, both within and beyond the University, were recruited for these projects. Our first-in-the-nation county agent in fine arts is held up by extension leaders everywhere as an outstanding example of response to changing community needs.
While Larry's commitment was to people, he understood the value of technology as well as any of us. He was one of the earliest and most active proponents of "eXtension," a massive national Web-based information system, and he brought Kentucky to national leadership in that effort.
Cooperative Extension is ready for a great future in the Commonwealth. Larry Turner saw that future clearly and took bold steps to lead us there.
M. Scott Smith
Dean and Director,
College of Agriculture