Nov. 20, 2020
Mader to lead extension health initiatives
By Tracy Courage
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts:
- Bryan Mader hired as extension health specialist
- Will oversee statewide health and fitness programs
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LITTLE ROCK — The Cooperative Extension Service has a new health specialist who will oversee several high-profile outreach efforts to improve the health and fitness of Arkansans.
Bryan Mader was hired Nov. 16 as the health specialist for the family and consumer sciences department with extension, part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. He is an assistant professor and previously served as the nutrition and food safety specialist.
In his new role, Mader will work with the Arkansas Delta Region Obesity Project, a multicounty project to reduce obesity rates in Arkansas. He will also manage Extension Get Fit, a community-based strength training program offered to older Arkansans through county extension offices, as well as manage Walk Across Arkansas and extension’s “How to Talk to Your Doctor” outreach program.
“I have a real passion for public health, and my goal is to affect lasting positive change in the health of Arkansans using extension’s vast and strong network in all 75 counties as a vehicle for health promotion and behavior change,” Mader said. “The work we do for Arkansas is multiplied and amplified by extension’s top-notch county agents, and I look forward to continuing to work toward positive changes in the health of our counties and our communities.”
Mader has worked three years with extension. He initially worked with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education program before he was promoted in 2019 to assistant professor for family and consumer sciences, specializing in nutrition and food safety.
He has a doctorate in public health leadership and a master’s degree in public health, both from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Public Health. Before joining extension, Mader worked in the areas of community food systems and increasing access to healthy foods.
“We are very pleased to have Dr. Mader leading our health programs,” Debie Head, associate department head for family and consumer sciences for the Division of Agriculture, said. “He brings community experience as well as a broad education base to his health leadership role. I am excited to see how he will lead the future of extension health programming.”
For more information about extension health programs, contact your county extension office or visit https://www.uaex.uada.edu/life-skills-wellness/health/.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Media contact:
Tracy Courage
Director, Communications Services
U of A System Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2126
tcourage@uada.edu