Special Note: Cooperative Extension System National Center for Diversity (NCFD)
Dr. Bankston served as Director of the CES National Center for Diversity located at Kentucky State University from 1992-1999. Started as a concept from something that had not previously existed. The Center became a fully function hub for diversity activity. Center staff worked tirelessly to provide diversity education and training to a multitude of groups and organizations. Some aspects included:
- Development of partners – Kentucky State University as lead institution, USDA – CSREES, University of Wisconsin Extension, Penn State Extension; The Ohio State University Extension
- Development of a strategic Plan
- Development of a Business plan
- Focus of Diversity education and training, nationwide
- Presented 4 national Diversity Conferences
- Presented a multitude of workshops in KY and around the country
- Presentations to ECOP (Extension Committee on Organization & Policy – Policy making body for Cooperative Extension), USDA agencies, universities, non-profit organizations, schools, churches, community groups, etc.
2012 – present – Coordinator, Division of Family and Consumer Sciences
- Development of a capacity building grant to re-establish a division of Family and Consumer Sciences; development of: strategic plan, curriculum, course descriptions, course ladders, syllabi, course meeting times, budgets, and other documents for a Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher Education Degree, and a Family and Consumer Sciences/ Business Degree
2015 – 2016 – Interim Co-Associate Extension Administrator, Kentucky State University, Cooperative Extension Program
Grants
- P.I. and Author of a $520,000 5 year USDA Capacity Building Grant for re-establishing a Family and Consumer Sciences degree.
- PI for a $620,000 CYFAR (Children, Youth and Families at Risk) U Connect 5-year grant
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