Kathy Reiser is a field services coordinator with the UI Extension. From her office in Mumford Hall she keeps in touch with the academic professionals, staff members and volunteers who work in extension offices around the state. She gives in-service training; and she helps communities launch drives to pass referenda to support extension programs. She's frequently on the road, and every summer she's a regular at the Illinois State Fair, publicizing the 7,500 youngsters in 4-H events.
What is keeping you busy?
We recently changed our name from the Cooperative Extension Service to the UI Extension, and we're making a concerted effort to help people across the state connect the programs and benefits they're getting with the UI name. And we're adopting the new "I" mark as our own logo. That sounds like a very simple matter, and I suppose it is, but when you try to do that in 100-and-some field offices and you do in-service training with staff on how to use the mark, it takes some time.
How long have you been with the UI?
Since 1982 after I graduated. I came to town as an undergrad in journalism with a home economics minor, and I just fell in love with the place. I graduated in '82 in journalism. I came to work here as a state fair intern. And I really liked the people and enjoyed the work.
What's your background?
I'm from Manteno, near Kankakee. I didn't grow up on a farm, but we were three doors down from a cornfield.
What's the best part of your job?
I think it's working with people who love what they're doing -- that includes the staff here on campus and out in the state, and the work with volunteers as well.
Your name is known in the area for your Sunday morning radio show on WDWS -- "Standard Time." How did that come about?
I had always wanted to do broadcast work, but I came to school here and pursued print journalism because I thought I was much too shy to open up that microphone and talk to perfect strangers. But one day, just on a whim, I decided to take a broadcasting class out at Parkland. And I decided I really enjoyed that.
When I had the opportunity to do the show on DWS it seemed like the old stuff -- Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat Cole, Rosemary Clooney -- was a really good fit for a news talk station for Sunday morning, and it's proven to be. I do the Sunday morning show from 6:15 to 9:30. It's more of a hobby than anything else. It's something I enjoy.
It's the most popular show in that time slot in the market area. Do you find people are aware of this other side of you?
The show seems to have a pretty enthusiastic following, and I do get a lot of requests when I'm walking down the Quad.
Will radio broadcasting remain a sideline?
Yes, it's something I enjoy but should the truth be known I enjoy the university job even more. It's more challenging. And that's where my career is, where my future is and really where I want to be.
You mentioned a special affection for the Illinois State Fair. How did that come about?
My first job with what was then Ag Communications was as a state fair intern. I had never exhibited at the state fair, been in 4-H or FFA [Future Farmers of America], and so it was really a new experience for me. I worked harder than I'd ever worked in my life for $25 a day and all the dust you could eat. Looking back on it, physically it was a miserable experience, but I had so much fun, there were so many new experiences, new people, new things that I cried like a baby when it was over. And I've been going back every year since.
No one has tried to arm-wrestle that job away from you?
Y'know, it's a job that no one else has expressed the slightest interest in doing. [She laughed.] The living conditions are rather Spartan. We live on the fairgrounds in an old WPA building. So no one else on our staff really wants that particular duty. But for me it's a treat. It's one of the highlights of the year. I wouldn't miss it for the world.