Episode 83: Women Agricultural Extension Educators

From calculus to chemistry class, many students have wondered aloud “when am I going to use this in real life?” For over a century, those in Oklahoma looking for practical education have needed to look no further than the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Oklahoma State University is one of a “nationwide network of university extension offices dedicated to providing trustworthy public education and service.” As a land grant institution, one of the university’s goals is to extend research performed at the university to the rest of the state. The Cooperative Extension program has been providing valuable educational services to people all across Oklahoma since 1914, and women have played a vital role in extension work throughout its history.

Today, we’re exploring the evolution of women’s experiences as County Extension Agents between the late 1950s and early 2000s, from strict gender roles to increased leadership opportunities. We’ll also talk with Dea Rash and Mary Selk about how women’s experience in extension has changed over the years.