Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 15, 1995 TAG: 9507110113
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ALLISON BLAKE
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Short
He'll take over even as Virginia Tech administrators launch a national search for a permanent director to lead the changing service.
Uncertainty has been the watchword at extension for years now. Budget cuts have cost 300 jobs since 1990. The farming and home economics education agency fought back $12.2 million in cuts during last year's legislative session, but the General Assembly ordered a self-examination to "take the controversy" out of extension, as Tech president Paul Torgersen put it.
That could mean tightening the focus on agriculture or charging for services such as the Master Gardener Program. A committee is working now to hammer out plans.
Jones was reluctant to talk about the specifics of his new job, since he doesn't take over until July 1.
"I would certainly think it's fair to say we don't expect to look or operate in the future as we did in the past," he said. "The challenge before us, as educators, is to change rather dramatically and be effective."
For the past four years, Jones has worked in Richmond as assistant to the director of extension. He has worked for the agency in various positions since 1971.
Departing director Bill Allen says his advice would be the same in good times or bad: "You really want to make sure the programming you're doing is what communities need. Make sure to keep employees focused on the educational needs of the community."
by CNB