- Associate Dean for Extension and Agriculture Programs
- University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension
- Email: ltownson@uri.edu
Biography
I’m currently providing leadership to Cooperative Extension at URI as Associate Dean for Extension and Agriculture Programs. I have expertise and national contacts in Community Engaged Scholarship and connecting faculty research to community needs with mutually beneficial outcomes. I support Extension staff in developing high quality outreach programs that improve the lives and livelihood of Rhode Islanders and protect the state’s natural resources.
As a leader for Cooperative Extension, I want to be sure we leverage partnerships across the state to provide excellent educational programming. One of Extension's five focus areas is Water Resources. Programs here address water quality issues across the state; coastal and inland. Ensuring our staff are connected to others at URI and in the state also working on coastal educational outreach and research; I hope that we will help communities address water quality challenges through research-based solutions.