ESP 2001 Visionary Leadership Award
Dr. Mike Davis
Dr. Davis reflects visionary leadership for the Cooperative Extension Service. He has anticipated change and positioned CES for success.
Recently, Dr. Davis chaired the National Strategic Directions Team which completed the national blueprint for the 6 million member 4-H youth outreach program of CES. There he
incorporated a participatory leadership style in program planning, implementation and evaluations, building internal and external future-oriented teams. Dr. Davis is serving as
State Leader coordinator of the National Centennial Celebration of 4-H, an effort resulting in a $5 million commitment from Congress to sponsor the centennial conversations currently being conducted in more than 3,000 counties in America. This effort is positioning CES to increase appropriations in the next authorization of the Farm Bill.
This past summer with the dedication and opening of the Eastern 4-H Environmental Education Center, Dr. Davis has fullfilled a vision that began over 10 years. Dr. Davis was able to work with legislators and local citizens to obtain over $8.5 million in public appropriations through the N.C. General Assembly for support and development of the Eastern 4-H Environmental Education Center.
Other activities that Dr. davis has been involved in are the coordination of the organizational response to the legislative study of Cooperative Extension. He was able to presenting a unified message about the value and strength of all program areas. Also, his participation in the National Leadership in Resource Development resulted in $600,000 commitment by J.C. Penney to CES after-school programs, and the formation of the 4-H on Track for Learning Foundation, a collaborative program to teach science and math through racing. Finally,N.C. 4-H Galas held since 1995 have raised nearly $1 million in program support and provided the opportunity for CES, CALS, and University leaders to interact very positively with state and national leaders including governors, congressmen, state legislative leaders, corporate leaders, and the Chairman of the Military Joint Chiefs of Staff. This model of cooperation between programs and development staff has been replicated in numerous states.
2001 ESP Awards
Xi Chapter ESP
