Dear Extension Family,
I want to take this opportunity to wish all of you and yours a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a joyous New Year. This past year has been bittersweet for many of us, coming off a tumultuous 2020. We had low points and high points, but through it all, we had each other and our diligent commitment to fulfill the mission of Clemson Cooperative Extension. We maintained integrity and proved our worth. Ever adapting, we continued to grow and learn from our many experiences and improve our services.
I had someone randomly stop me in the hall the other day and ask, “How can you always maintain such a positive outlook about working at Clemson University?” My reply was simple and came without pause. I have been fortunate to work within other land-grant universities, and Clemson Cooperative Extension is the best by far. This led me to ponder an enlightening thought – for employees who have never worked anywhere else or attended another land-grant university as a student, their understanding of what makes Clemson Cooperative Extension impactful is limited. When you meet agents, specialists, or staff from other land-grant universities, I hope you feel a sense of pride for your brilliant and selfless contributions to the citizens of our state. We may not have the resources that other Extension units have, but we are committed to doing our best, and it shows.
Extension Senate has urged me to continue a monthly Extension-wide update. I am enthused to hear this is a meaningful exchange, and it is one that I can tailor to address our fluid operations. The best part of my role as your director is communicating the expanse of our successes across the state and program areas. Additionally, it is my responsibility to report on issues that are critical to our operations:
- Budgets
- Legislative news
- New hires and transfers
- Upcoming events
- CUMIS updates
- Announcements from the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences (CAFLS)
I have received and carefully reviewed the COVID Survey Update. Your assistant directors, Ms. Legette, Mr. Lanford, and Drs. Parisi and Burns are evaluating the responses, and together, we will address the significant issues identified. I was encouraged to read that you believe we have many positive outcomes and opportunities. It comes as no surprise Administration is expected to be held accountable for improvements and informative communications. In return, Administration encourages agents to be more productive with programmatic input. The bottom line is that we have a shared responsibility to grow and improve across the board as a system. Cooperative Extension must remain relevant and responsive.
I enjoy sharing the good news about happenings across our Extension family. I would like to give kudos to Ms. Jillian Lash and Mr. Juan Saldana for their new roles with the National Council for Agricultural Education (NASAE) and the National Council for Agricultural Education. Ms. Lash was elected as the NASAE Southern Region Vice President, and Mr. Saldana was elected to represent NASAE within the National Council for Agricultural Education. It is always exciting to welcome new agents to our Extension family. Please review the list of our most recent new hires in the New Agent Hires and Transfers blog post.
I know by now everyone is most likely aware of the global outage for Kronos, the University’s online timekeeping and leave tool. Contact your supervisor if you have any questions or need assistance with reporting leave time. The Office of Human Resources has also provided guidance on leave time protocol in a recent OUR Clemson article. Additionally, please enter all programmatic activity into our CUMIS online reporting system. If it is not on record, then it does not exist. Becca Thompson is the CUMIS Administrator, and she is available to help you with your reporting. Please email her at rthomp7@clemson.edu or call her at (864) 656-0436 with any questions or to schedule a Zoom or in-person meeting.
In closing, I implore you to be mindful of using your holiday time to enjoy family and friends sincerely. And when I say ‘enjoy,’ I mean savor, and do not take it for granted. Some of us understand all too well there may come a time you realize you cannot enjoy another day or even a fleeting endearing experience with a loved one. Do not open yourself to future regret over lost opportunities. In these uncertain days, this is not an overly dramatic statement. Indulge in the precious time you are granted to share, hug, laugh (even cry), and maybe listen a little more than you talk. Do not put off the opportunity to surprise your family with thoughtfulness or simply ask them what you can do for them.
My own personal joy that I will savor this holiday season is a new precious gift – my first grandchild, Caroline Mae.
As part of the Clemson Cooperative Extension family, please know you impart more significant change than you may comprehend. We should continue into 2022 with relentless optimism to create continued success and new opportunities. As always, please take good care of yourselves and your families, and thank you for what you do for Clemson Cooperative Extension.
Thomas Dobbins, Ph.D.
Director, Clemson Cooperative Extension
Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to people of all ages, regardless of race, color, gender, religion, national origin, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or family status and is an equal opportunity employer.
