In this series of Science by the Slice, hear from UF Historian Carl Van Ness and UF/IFAS Dean of Extension Andra Johnson as they discuss diversity, equity and inclusion in extension systems.
During some of the most contentious fighting of the of the Civil War, Congress passed an innovative piece of legislation that reshaped the way Americans thought about higher education. In episode 1, Van Ness shares the history of land-grant universities, who they were formed to serve and how the University of Florida was established in this way. Van Ness also expresses what we can learn from the past to create a future in higher education that serves a greater, more diverse and inclusive population.
In episode 2, Johnson speaks about his experiences working and studying at land-grant universities and some of the changes that have taken place throughout his life in the field of extension. Johnson shares how the extension system can be used to increase inclusivity in agriculture and natural resources, and in life.
“There’s an opportunity for us to do even more as it relates to creating this diverse, inclusive environment,” said Johnson.
Episodes 1 and 2 of the Extended Dialogue series are streaming now on podcast platforms.
Science by the Slice is a podcast from the UF/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education (PIE Center) that explores the science behind issues affecting our daily lives, encompassing public health, agriculture, and natural resources. Experts discuss the science of complex challenges in our society, then, through analysis and storytelling, piece together the motivations that reveal the way people think about, form, and act on opinions regarding these pivotal issues.
