Randy Brooks Will Lead Idaho Extension Starting September
The veteran educator takes the director role to overhaul workplace operations for the state organization.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in People
Randy Brooks will officially begin his tenure as director of the University of Idaho Extension on September 28, 2026. He succeeds Barbara Petty, who retired from the leadership position on August 31, 2026.
Why it matters
The change in leadership signals a shift in internal strategy for the state-wide organization as Brooks prepares to document programmatic impact and streamline administrative processes.
Randy Brooks brings 35 years of institutional experience to the director role, succeeding Barbara Petty after her three decades with the university.
The players
Randy Brooks
Incoming director of the University of Idaho Extension with 35 years of experience in regional soil and forestry science roles.
Barbara Petty
The outgoing director who concluded a three-decade tenure with the University of Idaho Extension in August 2026.
University of Idaho Extension
The public-facing research and outreach arm of the state university that operates agricultural and forestry programs across Idaho counties.
The details
Brooks plans to implement a new operational initiative titled Removing the Rocks, which is designed to identify and eliminate workplace obstacles for employees. To facilitate this transition, he will conduct a tour of Extension offices and facilities throughout Idaho to engage directly with staff members. His background includes serving as an Extension soil fertility specialist in Twin Falls and as an area forestry specialist in Clearwater County.
Timeline
1990: Brooks began his career with the University of Idaho.
1996: Brooks moved to Clearwater County as a forestry specialist.
2011: Brooks transferred to the Moscow campus.
August 31, 2026: Barbara Petty retired from the director position.
September 28, 2026: Randy Brooks begins his term as director.
Market Landscape
The transition follows the retirement of Barbara Petty as the organization prepares for a shift in operational focus. This change marks a pivot toward new internal management strategies following her three decades of leadership.
Managers and stakeholders should prepare for a new internal emphasis on removing administrative bottlenecks within the university's outreach framework. Monitor the rollout of the Removing the Rocks effort to see how it might improve the speed of service delivery in your local district.
The takeaway
The appointment of a long-term internal veteran like Brooks suggests a focus on operational continuity paired with active troubleshooting. Watch for the initial reports on the Removing the Rocks initiative to see which departmental obstacles are prioritized for removal in the next quarter.
What happens next
Brooks will begin his term as director on September 28, 2026, and is scheduled to commence a series of visits to regional Extension offices shortly thereafter.
Further reading
For more updates on professional transitions, visit our People section.
