ORIGIN AND PURPOSE
The Extension activities of the University of Virginia have developed gradually
over a period of years. Even before the term "University Extension" came into
popular use, the University was in numerous ways directing its thought and talents
to the life of the state as a whole in addition to teaching its regular students.
About 1915 conscious effort was made to co-ordinate these extra-mural activities
and to establish within the institution an organization the purpose of which would
be to make the University's resources more readily and effectively available to
the life of the state. It was at this period that the Division of Extension was
established as an integral part of the University. In 1925 a full-time Director of
Extension was appointed.
Since the establishment of the Division of Extension, the University's conception
of its function afield has enlarged and undergone modification. The University's
present conception of its duties and responsibilities extra-murally is due
to its reflective thought on the problems no less than to the influence coming from
sister institutions active in the field of extension and to the reactions toward its
activities carried on throughout the state.
Extension Centers.—The University has found it practical to establish several
Extension centers in the state where offices may be opened and from which
the work of that community or section may be handled more efficiently than from
the central office at the University. These centers are in the cities of Richmond,
Petersburg, Roanoke and Lynchburg.
The Richmond Extension office is in the Richmond School of Social Work
and Public Health located on Franklin and Shafer Streets. This office is conducted
and maintained jointly by the Extension Divisions of the University of
Virginia and the College of William and Mary. Dr. H. H. Hibbs is the Local
Director, assisted by Miss Lula O. Andrews, University Extension Instructor in
English and Education.
The Petersburg Extension office is in the Petersburg Chamber of Commerce
Building. Miss Lula O. Andrews is the Local Director.
The Roanoke office is in the Roanoke Chamber of Commerce Building due to
the courtesy and assistance of this organization. Miss Rachel E. Gregg, Extension
Instructor in Education, is the Local Director. Miss Gregg is also Local Director
for the Lynchburg center. No permanent office has been arranged for Lynchburg,
but until further notice the office may be reached through the Lynchburg Chamber
of Commerce.
The extension work for the rest of the state is conducted through the central
office at the University of Virginia.
