Karen provides leadership for statewide program evaluation, strategic planning, reporting, and accountability efforts of the Family, Youth and 4H and the Agriculture and Natural Resources areas of the UA Cooperative Extension Service.  Her role includes availability for evaluation design consultation and technical assistance support to statewide and county faculty.   She provides professional development training for Extension faculty and staff in evaluation methodology and management, and assists with the development of special studies and reports addressing needs and organizational impacts.  Karen likewise monitors and oversees evaluation projects as assigned.  Karen has over twenty years experience in program management, administration, evaluation and training with multi-disciplinary professional groups.  She currently serves on the National Family and Consumer Science: POW Outcomes Analysis Committee. 501-671-2218 kballard@uaex.edu

As an Instructional Design Specialist focused on elearning, Lisa supports faculty and staff in designing and developing their courses using research-based adult learning methodologies. She administers the Educator learning platform, develops processes and tools to support staff in designing courses, and trains faculty in using the Educator tool. Depending on faculty needs and requests, Educator support will include one-on-one training via web-conference or site visits and in-service training. Lisa brings 20 years of experience in training management, learning technologies, and course development. She has a B.S in Journalism from the University of Colorado, an M.S. in Telecommunications (Radio & TV), an Ed.S in Instructional Systems Technology from Indiana University, and is a certified Global Professional in Human Resources. She sits on the Board of Directors of Learning for International Non-Governmental Organizations (LINGOs), a global consortium of training professionals.
501-671-2340 lferris@uaex.edu  

Rich Poling, Extension Program Development Specialist, joined the PSD Section in 2002. In his position, Rich provides assistance to Extension faculty and offers professional development training in the areas of developing, delivering and evaluating educational programs, group facilitation skills, organizational planning, survey and assessment development, and presentation skills. He provides direction for Extension core competency development and works with instructors in the development and assessment of core curriculum in-service training classes.  Rich also assists Extension personnel in professional development planning and manages the Extension professional development database.  Another part of his job is to manage the U of A Cooperative Extension Service continuing education unit (CEU) system.  Rich is a member of the Initiative Management Team for the “Financial Security in Later Life" national Extension initiative.

Rich has been doing Extension work since 1976, first as a county Extension agent in Ohio and then as an Extension specialist in South Carolina and Tennessee before coming to Arkansas. Rich received his Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife management, a Masters degree in agricultural economics and a Ph.D. in agricultural education all from The Ohio State University.  501-671-2084 rpoling@uaex.edu

Allisen is responsible for the coordination of the Extension Faculty Leadership Program.  She is the facilitator for the Extension Focus Programs and serves on the AIMS Development Team.  She also develops and delivers in-service educational programs and materials related to leadership development.   Prior to joining the PSD section Allisen was a county Extension agent with program responsibilities in the areas of family and consumer sciences, 4-H and youth, and community development in Miller, Sebastian, Lee and Johnson Counties and she worked for five years as the Associate District Director for the Southwest District/ Ouachita District.  Allisen has an undergraduate degree in Home Economics and Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.  She is currently working toward a doctorate in Faculty Development at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock. 501-671-2086 apenn@uaex.edu