University of Missouri Extension

Southwest Region News Service uses University of Missouri Extension faculty from southwest Missouri to inform the public of programs and issues impacting our communities, families, farms, homes and businesses. Subscribe now and receive a free weekly e-mail of news specific to southwest Missouri.

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Specialist Puts the Public in Touch With Issues

Name: David L. Burton, civic communication specialist

Headquartered in: Springfield, Mo.

Years with MU Extension: Started Nov. 1, 2001

Education: Bachelors in journalism and political science from Drury University, 1988; Master's in communication from Drury University, 2001.

Relevant past employment: Fives years as managing editor of the weekly newspaper in Willard, Mo. (1989 - 1993); three years in alumni and development work at Southwest Missouri State University, Sringfield, Mo.; and six years as public relations specialist in the communication and marketing department at Associated Electric Cooperative Inc., Springfield, Mo. (1995 - 2001).

Responsibilities: Assists the media, individuals and communities in gaining a better understanding of local issues and approaches available to citizens for public decision making and manages the Southwest Region News Service, which serves media outlets throughout the area.

Memberships: Southwest Missouri Society of Professional Journalists, Ozarks Press Association and the International Society of Weekly Newspaper Editors.

Publications: Numerous newspaper and magazines articles plus two books: "A History of the Rural Schools of Greene County, Mo." and "Official Guide to the Registered Historic Sites of Greene County, Mo."

What is your top goal for the coming year? Continue to expand the use of our Southwest Region News Service in order to reach an even larger audience with extension's unbiased, research-based information.

What do you enjoy most about working with University of Missouri Extension? My co-workers are very knowledgeable and professional but most importantly, I feel like our work, efforts and programs are helping to improve the lives of Missourians.

What is one thing about MU Extension you wish Missourians in your area knew about? There is a wealth of information, including most extension guide sheets, available online at http://extension.missouri.edu.

Honors: 2004 "Team of the Year" from University of Missouri Extension Association; 2004 "Innovator Award," from UMEA; 2004 "AgriMissouri Media Award," (bronze) from Missouri Department of Agriculture; eight different journalism awards from the Missouri Press Association (1989—1993).

Contact information: Burton can be reached at (417) 862-9284, ext. 16 or via e-mail at burtond@missouri.edu.

The Southwest Region News Service is a weekly educational news service for University of Missouri Extension in southwest Missouri. This news service uses the resources of Missouri University and local extension faculty to inform the public of extension programs, information and key civic issues that impact our communities, families and businesses. Weekly articles making up Southwest Region News Service are delivered electronically to hundreds of subscribers, extension council members and media outlets throughout southwest Missouri.

Specialists with this focus can help with the following:

· “You Are the Editor”
· “News Writing for Non Journalists”
· “Unwriting”
· writing a letter to the editor
· media ethics and trends
· imagining the future of newspapers
· journalist bylines
· community journalism
· effective oral presentations
· integrated marketing
· putting together a "History of Me"
· “Rural Schools in Greene County”
· Botanical Center in the Ozarks

Public Issue Forums like …

· “Should We Ban Fireworks?”
· “Democracy's Challenge: Reclaiming the Public's Role”
· “Land Use Conflicts: When City and Country Collide”
· “The Social Security Struggle: Fixing the Retirement System”
· “Making Ends Meet: Is There a Way to Help Working Americans?”
· “News Media and Society: How to Restore the Public Trust?”
· “Money and Politics: Who Owns Democracy?”

News Releases Southwest Region main page

		David L. Burton, BurtonD@missouri.edu Civic Communication Specialist, University of Missouri Extension Last Modified: 04/17/08