To improve communications related to funding opportunities, in particular funding related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA,) colleges and institute liaisons have been appointed. For Cooperative Extension, Jim Grady and Darrel Covell will serve on the committee.

Their role will be to connect Extension staff to funding opportunities, to initiate collaborations where appropriate, and to promote interdisciplinary research by connecting with faculty across the university.

Grady and Covell also will serve as points of contact for companies or outside parties seeking expertise within Cooperative Extension.