August 17, 2005

Purdue Extension names consumer and family sciences leader

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service Consumer and Family Sciences program is under new leadership.

Karen Zotz, who started Aug. 1, said she envisions Purdue's CFS educators and specialists focusing on several areas key to serving families. These areas include adult children and their aging parents, financial management, childhood obesity, diabetes and increasing the physical activity levels of Hoosiers.

She said Purdue Extension will tackle those needs with help from traditional university partners, and also will develop new partnerships throughout the state.

"I think it's important that we collaborate with other agencies and organizations to make sure we're providing appropriate education but not duplicating efforts," Zotz said.

Zotz comes to Purdue from North Dakota State University where she was the assistant director of nutrition and youth and family sciences for Extension. Her Extension career began in Illinois where she held state and county level positions.

"I'm excited about being at Purdue," she said. "The faculty, staff and educators are very dedicated to providing information that Indiana citizens can use to make decisions about critical issues they face as individuals, families and communities."

Zotz oversees consumer and family sciences educators in each of Indiana's 92 counties. The educators focus on programs that strengthen individuals, families and communities.

Writer: Kay Hagen, (765) 494-6682, kjh@purdue.edu

Source: Karen Zotz, (765) 494-8252, kzotz@purdue.edu

Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
Agriculture News Page

Related Web site:
Purdue CFS Extension Page

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