The Oregon State University Extension Service’s new leader was shaped by growing up on a farm and participating in 4-H and FFA.

“Having that background helps me approach the work. … That connection to agriculture is so important,” said Kristopher Elliott.

Elliott was named director of the OSU Extension Service and vice provost of the division of extension and engagement in late March.

He’s served in those roles in an acting and interim capacity since January 2024, overseeing 650 staff members across the state.

New initiatives

Being hired permanently provides stability and clarity for partners, Elliott said.

Things weren’t exactly on hold, but OSU extension will now embark on initiatives such as a new strategic plan and a marketing campaign about the organization and the mission of land grant universities.

OSU Extension works closely with the university’s agriculture and forestry colleges, boosting the state economy and communities’ health by helping farmers grow crops, teaching youth in 4-H and through other efforts.

“It doesn’t matter what your political affiliation is. It doesn’t matter where you live. Extension is vital to a prosperous and thriving Oregon,” Elliott said.

Spreading that message will help OSU Extension withstand funding challenges, he added.

County support

The federal government provides 6% of the organization’s budget and that support continues.

OSU Extension’s foundation is state funding and support from 34 of Oregon’s 36 counties, but many face budget problems.

Elliott is trying to bring Multnomah and Josephine counties back into the fold.

He’s hopeful about Josephine County, where 4-H was branded as “woke” due to its religious neutrality policy.

Programs would return to areas thoughtfully, he said.

“Extension looks different in every county in Oregon because it really meets the needs of local communities,” Elliott said.

Early life

Elliott was raised in Linden, Calif., which recently saw its population skyrocket past 2,000. His family grew walnuts, cherries, alfalfa hay and other crops.

He joined 4-H to show livestock, but a forward thinking advisor required him to participate in another activity.

Frustrated, Elliott enrolled in public speaking. He developed an award-winning presentation after interviewing a resident whose son was killed by a drunk driver.

Elliott was naturally shy, but 4-H brought him out of his shell and public speaking is now a huge part of his job.

Career path

Elliott earned his doctorate in science education from OSU and his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, Calif.

Prior to his OSU studies, Elliott worked for nine years as a high school ag teacher.

After his doctorate, he worked in Georgia’s extension program and as the STEM director for Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools.

Elliott joined OSU extension in 2017 as the inaugural director of its statewide outdoor school program. He helped the program grow and secured full state funding.

Elliott became associate vice provost for extension and associate director of the OSU Extension Service in 2022.

He credited his predecessor, Ivory Lyles, who died in 2024 shortly after retiring, with preparing him to lead.

“He was someone who was a great mentor to me,” Elliott said.