ORONO — Jason Entsminger, assistant professor and state Extension specialist at the University of Maine, was named the 2025 Emerging Leader by the National Extension Tourism Network (NET) at its annual conference in October. The award recognizes professionals who demonstrate exceptional potential and leadership in advancing the field of tourism and outdoor recreation through Extension, research and education.

Entsminger, who joined UMaine Extension and the Maine Business School in 2022, integrates research, teaching and outreach in his work, which embodies the land-grant university mission to strengthen local communities. Through his applied research on agritourism and outdoor recreation economies, he helps Maine farmers and entrepreneurs identify sustainable growth strategies. His classroom teaching equips students to apply these insights in real-world settings, while his Extension programming translates them into practical tools and workshops that reach rural communities statewide. 

“Jason exemplifies the best traditions of the Land-grant mission,” said Claudia Schmidt, associate professor of agricultural economics at Penn State University, who nominated him for the award. “He blends academic research with practical engagement, leading programs that connect farmers, small business owners and recreation leaders across the region.” 

Since 2020, Entsminger has co-authored multiple peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers and produced more than 60 Extension fact sheets, data briefs and technical reports. He has led or co-facilitated over a dozen Extension workshops on agritourism and outdoor recreation and helped secure more than $2.2 million in funding for tourism-focused research and outreach projects. He also collaborated with state partners to develop the award-winning 10-Year Outdoor Recreation Economy Roadmap which was launched in January 2025. 

“Dr. Entsminger’s growing impact in Maine, the Northeast and across the country as a leader in Extension tourism is undeniable,” said Xinyi Qian, director of the University of Minnesota Tourism Center and chair of NET. “He is the person many of us call to discuss ideas, collaborate on projects and help shape the future of our field.” 

Before joining UMaine, Entsminger served as associate director of the Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development, where he played a key role in strengthening collaboration among tourism researchers and Extension professionals. His leadership helped secure USDA funding for national tourism initiatives and contributed to major multi-state research projects on tourism resilience and community sustainability. 

The National Extension Tourism Network connects Extension professionals across the United States to strengthen the tourism and outdoor recreation sectors through research, education and community engagement.

About University of Maine Cooperative Extension

As a trusted resource for over 100 years, Extension has supported UMaine's land and sea grant public education role by conducting community-driven, research-based programs in every Maine county. UMaine Extension seeks to build thriving communities and grow the food-based economy, focusing on aspects from production and processing to nutrition, food safety and food security. Extension also conducts the most successful out-of-school youth educational program in Maine through 4-H which offers hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement and creates a positive environment where participants are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.