ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an overview of key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book describes the agendas of systems change being pursued, at land-grant universities, at state universities, and at selected large and small private institutions, to create and sustain outreach universities enhancing the lives of youth and families in American communities. It includes the perspectives of the several sectors of society that must collaborate in the creation of outreach universities for America's youth, families, and communities: university administrators and faculty leaders, non-governmental organization (NGO) leaders, foundation officers, and government officials. The organization and implementation of such changes involves both scholarly creativity, intellectual vision, and, frankly, administrative courage. Recently, a provost-empanelled committee of faculty and administrators at Michigan State University completed a report on how the university might extend knowledge to serve society.
