Duane Hauck says he is leaving the North Dakota State University Extension Service at the right time.

Hauck, Extension Service director for the past seven years, announced he is retiring at the end of the year.

“After 35 1/2 years in Extension, I feel it’s time to look at what the next stage of life provides,” the 58-year-old Hauck says. “The Extension Service has great support and a good budget. We have a solid administrative team and excellent agents, specialists and staff. Things are in great shape, which should make for a smooth transition to a new director.”

Joining the NDSU Extension Service after graduating from NDSU with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanized agriculture in 1976 was a natural step for him. He grew up on a grain and livestock farm near Richardton. His family had a good working relationship with the county’s Extension agent, and his entire family was involved in 4-H.

His first Extension job was as an assistant agent in Stutsman County.

“Once I was in the job for six months, I came to realize this was the kind of work I would enjoy,” he says. It allowed him to stay connected with agriculture and work with people, and it provided a variety of working conditions, from the office to the field.

He spent the next 18 months as an associate agent in Ward County. Following that, he became an Extension associate in what then was NDSU’s Agricultural Engineering Department, where he worked with alternative energy programs. At the same time, he pursued a master’s, receiving his degree in mechanized agriculture in 1983.

Hauck then was a Cass County Extension agent before accepting an administrative position as a district director in 1990. In 2000, he became an assistant Extension director, serving as program leader for agriculture and natural resources. He was named interim director on Jan. 1, 2004, and was appointed director six months later.

“Duane’s career with the NDSU Extension Service has been outstanding,” says D.C. Coston, NDSU vice president for Agriculture and University Extension. “In recent years as director, he has done a tremendous job of leading the organization in many innovations in programming and delivery.

“He is respected by his colleagues,” Coston adds. “He is known and trusted by leaders and citizens. North Dakota has been richly blessed through his abiding commitment to the state and from his high standard of personal integrity.”

One of the most significant changes Hauck has witnessed is the development of technology, both agricultural and electronic, that allows people to access information in new ways.

What hasn’t changed is Extension’s commitment to helping people enhance their lives and communities.

“Extension work is unique,” he says. “We not only answer questions and provide information in a variety of ways, but we are also a catalyst to bring people together in learning environments. People participate because they see value in these programs.”

Another part of Extension that has remained the same is the dedication of its faculty and staff and their ability to engage with others.

“What made Extension strong when I started still makes it strong – the people,” Hauck says. “Extension folks are well-known and respected within their communities. They’re viewed as leaders who help with positive change.”

Extension also continues to be an important component of NDSU’s land-grant mission. Extension provides the outreach function of a land-grant university by serving as the link between the citizens of North Dakota and the latest research at NDSU and other universities across the country.

Hauck is gratified by the support Extension receives from citizens and local decision makers such as county commissioners, who help make Extension’s strong county-based programming possible, as well as the state Legislature and governor, who provide significant support to keep Extension’s programs vital and relevant.

“Even though we’ve recently had a significant number of retirements in Extension, we continue to be able to recruit and hire qualified personnel who truly have the ability to carry on the tradition of engaging people,” he says. “They have the energy and enthusiasm to carry on our mission.”

NDSU Agriculture Communication - July 7, 2011