As Oklahoma State University Extension celebrates its 112th anniversary, local county offices across the state will host open houses throughout the month, allowing residents to understand the programming offered by Extension.
Counties are already having success. On May 5, the Oklahoma County Oklahoma State University Extension office held its open house, offering a wide array of activities for attendees. People walked through the demonstration gardens and met with Master Gardeners. Residents could bring soil and water samples for testing.
“It was exciting to meet people in the community who haven’t used our services,” said Ladonna Hines, Oklahoma County OSU Extension director. “Exciting to show them everything we have to offer.”
A similar scene unfolded May 7 at the Payne County OSU Extension office, with an open house showcasing 4-H youth development, agriculture, horticulture and family and consumer sciences programming.
“I want guests to better understand how Extension serves as the outreach arm of OSU by providing research-based education and hands-on learning opportunities,” said Summer Leister, county Extension director for Payne County. “Our goal is for visitors to leave feeling more connected to Extension and aware of the many resources and programs available to them.”
May 8 marks 112 years since the federal government passed the Smith-Lever Act, creating a nationwide agricultural Extension service. OSU Extension is used to teach, train and support youth, adults, families, businesses and communities to advance Oklahoma.
Its importance and impact are still felt today, more than a century later.
“OSU Extension has been fundamental to Oklahoma for generations,” said Dr. Damona Doye, associate vice president of OSU Extension. “Our strengths in 4-H youth development, agriculture and natural resources, family consumer sciences, community health and economic development in communities across the state will continue to positively impact rural and urban areas for another century and beyond.”
What is Extension?
The Morrill Act of 1862 granted federal lands for public universities throughout the country to provide agriculture, military and engineering instruction to members of the working class. The Hatch Act f 1887 allowed federal funds to establish an agricultural experiment station connected to each state’s land-grant institution.
The Smith-Lever Act in 1914 permanently authorized ongoing federal support for Extension services through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, allowing OSU to found a Cooperative Extension Service.
Making an impact
4-H youth development, agriculture and natural resources, family consumer sciences, community health and economic development have resulted in a significant impact across Oklahoma.
More than 14,000 participants were enrolled in 4-H, and programs reached more than 183,000 youth across Oklahoma in 2025. A flagship program under the 4-H umbrella, the STEM Innovator Program, helps participants build leadership skills while teaching workshops in areas such as agriculture and robotics.
Family and consumer science programming in 2025 reached 43,000 participants, with volunteers contributing over 180,000 hours of service to their communities.
“Extension’s success over the past 112 years would not be possible without the support of our communities, volunteers, stakeholders, county leaders and partners,” Leister said. “The relationships built through Extension are what make Extension so impactful and meaningful.”
One of the most frequently used agricultural services is water, soil and forage testing. OSU Extension’s Hotspot Lending Program allows rural residents access to broadband internet. Other programming includes The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Webinar Series, which has reached more than 500 producers. Extension’s work continues to evolve to best meet local stakeholder needs.
In the digital age, resources have moved online. That shift has allowed OSU Extension to extend its reach even further across the state, making a lasting impact on residents.
“I have worked with OSU Extension for nearly 25 years,” Hines said. “I have seen the Extension service grow with the use of technology. We can reach more people through hybrid or online platforms, along with being able to do our job faster using current technology.”
Even in the ever-evolving environment, OSU Extension remains true to its purpose to serve Oklahoma.
“I have seen Extension become more innovative in how it reaches people through technology, social media, virtual programming and hands-on experiences,” Leister said. “Even as methods have changed, the heart of Extension has remained the same, providing research-based information, building relationships and serving communities in meaningful ways.”
OSU Extension uses research-based information to help all Oklahomans solve local issues and concerns, promote leadership and manage resources wisely throughout the state’s 77 counties. Most information is available at little to no cost.
