Emma Theuri has a responsibility to carry out the University of Illinois Extension Mission, "Helping You Put Knowledge To Work". She develops and markets University of Illinois Extension programs, forms networks with community organizations, agencies and individuals; leverages resources to support programs, evaluates programs for impact, while carrying out fiscal /facility management. Since joining Cooperative Extension in 1998, Emma has successfully worked on innovative projects to improve communities.
Emma's educational credentials include a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis, an Educational Specialist degree in General School Administration and a Masters in Secondary School Administration and Supervision, all three from the University of Missouri, Columbia. Emma is also a certified Clinical Social Worker II. Prior to joining Cooperative Extension,she worked as a Clinical Social Worker with the Department of Health, focusing on Mental Health for children, youth and adults. Prior to that, she assisted in research at the office of Social and Economic Data Analysis, University of Missouri. Earlier in her career, Emma was a National Examiner and taught high school science.
Emma provided leadership to a statewide research on Welfare to Work for the Department of Social Services (Missouri). Innovative programming designed to develop and diversify Extension Community partnerships has been Emma's greatest priority. In particular, she has initiated neighborhood based Extension and agency supported programs. She was instrumental in the formation of the PEAK program, (Promotion Empowerment and Affirmation via Knowledge), an after school program for youth from low-income families that was based on Dr. Tucker's model of self-empowerment theory. In partnership with several Youth Serving agencies, she facilitated the development of the innovative program "Virtual Communities Real Leaders", a multidisciplinary program for older youth encompassing leadership, computer skills and community development. Among others, she was instrumental in the development of "Youth Futures: College Within Reach" a transformational program sensitizing youth from low-income families to attend college. Emma opened doors to many community leaders and public school teachers for leadership training including the Kauffman Foundation Mini Society Program Facilitation training. Her grant writing and evaluation skills have been key in ensuring funding for these innovative projects.
Emma has travelled internationally in Europe, USA, Africa and Central America. She likes to travel, and as she puts it, "traveling has earned me the best, and unique education", a type of education that I could not get from teachers, books or the media "Emma adds". My eyes opened, and my mind exploded with knowledge when I came to the USA. But, my heart was challenged, and I was humbled when I visited some Central American Countries "Emma comments".
