Myron Johnsrud

Hall of Fame Class of 1996

Myron Johnsrud is currently Director of Extension and Outreach for the National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges. He began his extension career as a County Extension Agent in North Dakota in 1965. In 1969, he was appointed Director of Personnel and Program Development in the North Dakota State University Cooperative Extension Service. He was later appointed Director of Staff Development, Extension Service, United States Department of Agriculture, Associate Director of the North Dakota State University Cooperative Extension Service, and Director of the Extension Service. From 1986 to 1993, he was Administrator of the Extension Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Following the end of the cold war era, he was commissioned by the Secretary of Agriculture to establish the first major adult education program on managing a business in a market-driven economy in Poland. The President of Poland heralded it as one of the most successful programs they have had in concert with any country. This model is still being used in several of the former USSR republics in joint ventures with the US.

He has received special awards from the Secretary of Agriculture, the National Distinguished Service Ruby Award, the highest award from the national Extension professional organization, and the Meritorious Executive Award from President Bush.