BROOKINGS, S.D. - Kenneth Sherin , Ph.D., is the new program director for the SDSU Extension Community Vitality program.
Since 2012, Sherin has served as a SDSU Extension community vitality field specialist.
Sherin is taking over the position previously held by David Olson, Ph.D. and left vacant in February 2016, when Olson lost his battle with cancer.
"David built a strong team of community resource professionals," Sherin said. "I learned a lot from his leadership and I hope to build upon Dr. Olson's commitment to be the best resource for South Dakota communities who are seeking to stay or become vibrant, healthy communities."
Program Name Change
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SDSU Extension Community Vitality program is the new name of the former SDSU Extension Community Development program.
"The new name better reflects the goals and purposes of the program, as well as, the greater mission of South Dakota's land grant university," said Karla Trautman , SDSU Extension Interim Director.
SDSU Extension's purpose is "to foster a learning community environment that empowers citizens to advocate for sustainable change that will strengthen agriculture, natural resources, youth, families, and the communities of South Dakota."
"South Dakota communities are worthy of our earnest effort to make available the best evidence-based, vetted and relevant community and economic development resources," said Sherin, who will continue to office out of the SDSU Extension Regional Center in Mitchell and commute to Brookings regularly for meetings and other administrative duties.
Vetted and Trusted Programs
SDSU Extension Community Vitality program offers research and evidence-based community development tools for building capacity in areas of entrepreneurial development, such as business plan writing and marketing; leadership skills workshops, community marketing for new resident recruitment, strategic planning for organizations and communities, community-based approach to workforce development, civic engagement processes, and non-profit board training.
"The programs and resources of the SDSU Extension Community Vitality program are a great value for communities and organizations in South Dakota," Sherin said.
SDSU Extension community resource professionals deliver programs under the outreach mission of South Dakota State University. Therefore, the cost to communities and organizations is greatly reduced compared to other community resource providers in the state.
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"SDSU Extension Community Vitality team provides great opportunities for South Dakota communities," Sherin said.
He explained SDSU Extension Community Vitality collaborates with other South Dakota community resource providers and with Extension community resource professionals across the nation.
"Their connection to local and national resources benefits South Dakota communities by sharing the best in rural community and economic development resources with the citizens of our state," Sherin said.
Adding to the Team
Sherin will be working with an experienced team of SDSU Extension Community Vitality Field Specialists throughout the state including; Kari O'Neill, Peggy Schlechter and Paul Thares.
The team is seeking another member to work out of the SDSU Extension Regional Center in Watertown.
To learn more about this position, visit the Board of Regents employment website .
To contact an SDSU Extension Community Vitality team member, look under Field Staff on the iGrow homepage .
