Why Extension Educators Stay or Not: Factors that Keep Them and Factors that Make Them Want to Leave
ISSN 2158-9429
Volume 19, Issue 1 - June 2026
Editor: Bindu Poudel-Ward
McCoy, T., Director, Learning and Organizational Development, The Ohio State University
Mashburn, D., Learning and Development Specialist, The Ohio State University
Beers, L., Assistant Professor, Extension Educator, The Ohio State University
Morrison, J., Citywide Training and Development, City of Columbus
Abstract
There is a lack of literature on the use of stay interviews as a retention tool within the Extension organizations. Retention of Extension employees is a persistent issue that has been studied and discussed for decades and continues into the present (Safrit and Owen, 2010). It is imperative for Extension to explore all tools available to curb employee turnover because these employee relationships help to develop and retain strong relationships with the local stakeholder community. Using stay interviews, this qualitative exploratory study aimed to describe the factors that keep Ohio State University Extension county educators with the organization for five or more years and the factors that may lead to employee turnover.
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