Meet Rebecca Clapp, Communications Manager for the Center for Land Use Efficiency, IFAS Extension
Rebecca has an “early adopter” mindset when it comes to technology, and it sounds like she’ll be ready to support her faculty and staff with Workday! She manages communications for CLUE, or the Center for Land Use Efficiency. The center was created to bring IFAS agricultural and urban best management practices, or BMP, programs together. Their mission is to provide science-based solutions to protect and conserve Florida’s valuable water and other natural resources by promoting policies and practices that lead to measurable impact. Rebecca attended the IFAS Extension annual summit meeting, where the Empowering UF team provided information about the new ways of working and positive changes that will come with Workday.
How have you learned about the Empowering UF project and our UF journey to Workday?
I attended the UF/IFAS Extension Summit in June 2026, where the team leading the Empowering UF project gave a presentation.
What have you heard about Workday?
I have spoken to colleagues at other land grant universities who are already using Workday and they have nothing but praise for the program. They say it streamlines their work and keeps everyone on the same page.
How do you feel about the changes ahead? How will they benefit you and your colleagues?
I know that change can be unsettling, but I know that we are not as efficient as we could be at UF. I am hopeful that these new updates in technology and software will make it easier and faster to do the basic tasks associated with our work so we can focus on impactful parts of our jobs that support, educate and improve the lives of Florida residents around the state.
Have you been through technology changes before? What advice would you share with others on how to adapt?
I’ve been at UF for more than 20 years and I have seen all kinds of technology changes. My advice is get on board with the new systems as soon as possible so you can be a resource for others in your department. Nothing gives you more job security like knowing the answers to the questions your colleagues are stumped on! Plus, no feeling is better than the feeling of being able to help your colleagues out of a jam with the knowledge of a new system. Being an early adopter can also allow you to help make decisions about how to utilize the technology, so it works into your flow better or make sense to how your brain works. These perks are all there for the people who learn this new software early!
Is there anything else you’d like to share that could help fellow staff feel receptive to Workday and learning new ways of doing things?
Don’t assume that because the technology is different that it is going to be worse. I think this new software offers the opportunity to make our work easier and faster and I only see that as a good thing. Change can be for the better so learn how you can use this new software to improve your life and the lives of your co-workers. You might even improve the entire ecosystem of your office and that makes life better for everyone when they love coming to work.