Staff Directory - Employees - Biography Guidelines
Below are guidelines for writing the 3 sections that make up the biography in the Extension staff directory.
General Guidelines
- Content should approximately 150 words;
- Should be in the 3rd person;
- Should not contain the following personal information:
- Personal Information (e.g. “I live in Madison with 3 children and my pet dog”);
- Hobbies (e.g. “I love cooking and hunting”);
- Language that requires frequent updates (e.g. “3 years of experience”, “currently working on”);
- How to write Extension:
- Please see the article How to Refer to the Division of Extension.
Role
- Should be 1-2 sentences in length;
- Include the name you preferred to be called by;
- Include your working title;
- Detail your work in real-world terms; describe 1-2 things you will be doing in your position;
- Research and outreach focal areas;
- Key projects;
Background
- Should be 2-3 sentences in length;
- Explain your work/academic experience that led you to this role;
- Previous titles and work experience;
Education
- Include your academic credentials; this is important as we are all part of an academic institution;
- Education and degrees
Example
Role
Amy Smith is a Positive Youth Development Educator in [Wisconsin County]. Amy oversees 4-H program development and registration, working with youth across the county and enforcing policy and guidelines.
Background
Amy began her role at Extension in 2002, beginning as a Health & Well-Being Educator in [Wisconsin County]. She became a Positive Youth Development Educator in 2010. Prior to joining Extension, Amy worked as a middle school teacher in the [Wisconsin County] School District.
Education
BA, Biology, UW-Stevens Point