Dear Extension Family,
As we near the end of the first month of 2023, I hope the new year is off to a good start for everyone. Following up on the letter I sent out after the Joint Cooperative Extension Conference, it really was a great beginning to many successful future partnerships, programs and activities. Many thanks and congratulations to those who have been proactive in starting the conversations and joint meetings since the conference. A staff contact directory is being developed to serve as a resource for our intended ongoing coordination, collaboration and cultivation. We must keep the momentum going.
I ask that you take the time to visit the Extension Employee News Blog post and watch the video compiled from the conference. Various memorable moments were captured, and it is wonderful to revisit and appreciate the breadth of all we experienced. Many thanks to Ms. Jaime Pohlman and the CAFLS/PSA Communications Team for their outstanding work in creating this video.
Employee Profiles/Professional Headshots
All employees are asked to update their employee profile and headshot on their employee profile as soon as possible. You can edit your profile using the employee profile link, and you must be logged into the Clemson network to do so. Links to the professional headshots taken during the joint conference are available in an Extension Employee News Blog post.
Employee Recognition
I’d like to take this opportunity to recognize two of our team members. Ms. Rushawnda Olden, Director of the 4-H Pinckney Leadership Program, was selected as the “Staff Member of the Game” during the season’s last football game, along with two other Clemson employees. The President’s office presented this recognition for Olden’s excellence in programming and leadership. Mr. Zack Snipes, Area Horticulture Agent and Assistant Horticulture Program Team Director, was recognized as the 2022 CAFLS Young Alumni award winner for his impacts on business, community, leadership and educational endeavors. Dean Keith Belli of CAFLS recognized Mr. Snipes for his “passion for commercial horticulture and his drive to provide training and resources to ensure that his co-workers and clients are successful. Additionally, we have half a dozen new additions to our Extension Family. Please visit the Extension Employee Blog post to see who has been added to the New Hires and Transfers list.
Mid-Year Evaluation Conferences
District Extension Directors will soon be scheduling mid-year evaluation conferences with all County Extension Agents and staff. This is an opportunity for open discussion and questions you may have before the end of the evaluation cycle.
County Agent Promotions
A review committee has been assigned to determine if revisions to the current guidelines and scoring process for County Agent Promotions are needed. Once the committee completes its review and makes recommendations to the administrative team and me, the new process will be announced to everyone. Please note that the previous dates for submission of the applications and packets will be adjusted.
2023 Extension Emerging Leadership Initiative (EELI) Cohort
We are pleased to announce the 3rd Cohort of the Extension Emerging Leadership Initiative (EELI). We look forward to hearing about their experiences learning and implementing beneficial skillsets for our Cooperative Extension system. If you are not familiar with the EELI, you can visit the website to learn more. Please take the time to congratulate members of the 3rd EELI Cohort:
- Michelle Altman: Rural Health and Nutrition Agent, Clemson University
- Jasmine Davis: Family, Health, and Nutrition Agent, South Carolina State University
- Yaniqua Eyabi: Family, Health, and Nutrition Agent, South Carolina State University
- Curtis Hill: Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, South Carolina State University
- Susan Lunt: Water Resources Agent, Clemson University
- Charlotte (Charley) Maxwell: Agri-business Agent, Clemson University
- Paris Mebane: Rural Health Agent, Clemson University
- Alfred McIntosh: Community and Economic Development Program Coordinator, South Carolina State University
- Mark Nettles: Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, South Carolina State University
- Freddricka Pressley: 4-H Agent, Clemson University
- Shawn Smith: Family, Health, and Nutrition Agent, South Carolina State University
Upcoming Employee Training
We have two training events coming up in February. The New Employee Onboarding for invited participants on Wednesday, February 22, at 8:45 a.m. at the Hayden Conference Center in the SC Botanical Gardens, and “What can the Clemson Libraries do for you?” hosted by Karen Burton on Thursday, March 2, 10:00 a.m. on Zoom. Please email Ms. Becca Hedden at rthomp7@clemson.edu if you have any questions about these trainings.
Upcoming Deadline: SC New and Beginning Farmer Program (SCNBFP)
Please share the information about the 2023 SCNBFP with any relevant stakeholders. The application deadline is February 20, and more information can be found on the SCNBFP website.
New Cooperative Extension Website
Our new website for the main Cooperative Extension web pages was launched in November. If you have any comments or suggestions for the content, navigation or other aspects, please email Ms. Lisa Bundrick at mebundr@clemson.edu. Your feedback is important to us.
As always, please take good care of yourselves and your families, and thank you for what you do for 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.
