Final Report

The Journal of Extension has gone through a great many changes over the past three years-and, of course, the changes in the Journal reflect changes in Extension. In this, my final Editor's Page, I'll summarize some of the major highlights of my tenure as editor:

• The new To the Point section was begun in Winter 1988. This new section has featured Extension leaders addressing systemwide issues of national importance. This section has also stimulated letters to the Journal.

• New criteria were developed for feature articles by the Editorial Committee in 1989, making articles more issues-oriented across all program areas and emphasizing contributions to Extension's knowledge base.

• The Idea Corner was changed to Ideas at Work in 1989 with new review criteria emphasizing innovative ideas of high impact.

• In 1990, the Journal expanded from 32 to 40 pages, a 25% increase.

• By changing formatting (reduced white space, reduced title size), we added another 10% of content to the Journal.

• The $20 reviewer fee was introduced in 1990 to offset increased costs.

• With a major change in Journal financing in 1990, essentially increased financial support from the federal and state Extension Systems, the Journal's distribution increased from 4,500 to 11,200.

• Manuscript submissions were up significantly. From July 1, 1988 through June 30, 1990, a period of two years, we reviewed 247 manuscripts. During the past year, we have received and reviewed 220 manuscripts. Thus, the annual rate of submission has nearly doubled in the past year. This has required expanding the Editorial Committee from 18 to 27 members.

It has been an honor to serve as editor of the Journal of Extension. When I became editor, it was clear the Journal's future was closely tied to the future of Extension. That's still true. The Journal supports Extension's future by making it clear that Extension operates from a knowledge base-and the Journal contributes to Extension's future by continuing to build and communicate that knowledge base.

I wish to thank all those I've worked with. The Minnesota Extension Service, especially Patrick Borich and Gail Skinner, has been enormously supportive. The board members, Editorial Committee members, and special editors have shaped the Journal's new directions and, through their individual contributions and commitments, they've significantly enhanced the quality and stature of the Journal.

I close with special appreciation for assistant editor Colleen Schuh, who has served the Journal 22 years. It's simply impossible to overstate her importance to every aspect of the Journal. I can't imagine having served as editor without Colleen. She's simply the best.

After working with new editor Ellen Ritter in training the Editorial Committee, I leave with complete confidence in the Journal's future. The transition between editors' offices couldn't have been smoother. Ellen brings to her new position the experience, commitment, and vision that bode well for the Journal in the future.

MQP

This article is online at http://www.joe.org/joe/1991winter/ed1.html.

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