Dear Extension Family,
I know many have already begun their holiday leave, and for those who are still putting in hours for your Cooperative Extension responsibilities, I appreciate your dedication and know you are ready for the well-deserved break. It is a joyous time of year to share with family and friends, and there are many memories to make while we cherish past ones.
CAFLS News
It was good to see those of you who were able to attend the ‘Come to the Table Event’ on November 17 to celebrate the merger of the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences (CAFLS) and Public Service and Agriculture (PSA). An annual profile report for CAFLS called Momentum was created and is available as a digital version. Additionally, a new organizational chart is available. The Provost has formally charged the committee for the new CAFLS dean search. Our current interim dean, Dr. Greg Yarrow, will host town hall-style Zoom sessions in the new year, and more information will be sent out after the break.
Awards
Over two dozen Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) Program Team members were recognized at the EFNEP Annual Retreat in November. It was an honor to attend the event and hear about the accomplishments. A complete list of awards is available in a Blog post on the Extension Employee News Blog.
EFNEP Agent, Wanda Vandroff 
EFNEP Agent, Sharneece Gary 
PEFNEP Agent, Patti Champman 
EFNEP Agent, Kayla Scarborough 
EFNEP Agent, Akendra Jackson 
EFNEP Agent, Mary Morgan
Congratulations to Dr. Scott Whiteside’s doctoral student, Ms. Afreen Sultana, for being awarded a $25,000 fellowship from Hitachi High-Tech America Inc. Their research involves the use of invasive kudzu plants for paper-based packaging, an environmentally friendly, biodegradable alternative to petroleum-based plastics. You can read more about this innovative research in the Clemson News article.
I would also like to recognize Cohort 3 of the Extension Emerging Leadership Initiative (EELI) for completing all requirements for graduation. The graduates include Clemson Cooperative Extension and SC State 1890 Research and Extension participants. EELI is a professional development opportunity dedicated to fulfilling Extension’s mission and developing leaders who exemplify professionalism and inspire others. Two former EELI graduates, Ms. Faith Isreal, Food Systems and Safety Agent and Mr. Chris Heintze, Piedmont/Midlands District Director, have been initiated into the South Carolina Alpha Chapter of Epsilon Sigma Phi Extension fraternity. Epsilon Sigma Phi is one of the oldest and largest organizations of Extension Professionals. The mission of Epsilon Sigma Phi is to foster standards of excellence in the Extension System and develop the Extension profession and professional.
EELI Cohort 3 members. 
Faith Israel and Chris Heintze.
Holiday Notes
The 2024 holiday county office schedule was sent out last month. The schedule is also available in a Blog post. Please note the county office and main campus holiday schedules are different for 2024.
In closing, although the season radiates joy for many, my thoughts go out to those who are missing loved ones this season. I hope you find peace in comforting memories. Some of you may be celebrating the addition of new family members—there is nothing like that first Christmas. For those of you who will be traveling, take your time and a deep breath if there are delays. The most important thing is to arrive at your destination safely.
There are many exciting things to come in 2024 for Cooperative Extension because of the enthusiasm and diligence of our Extension team. But in the meantime, I encourage everyone to focus on the true priorities in your life at this time – family, friends, traditions, and holiday cheer. Soak it in. I wish everyone a merry and peaceful break and a happy new year. As always, please take good care of yourselves and your families, and thank you for what you do for Clemson Cooperative Extension.
Upcoming Reminders
December 31: SC State Library’s Notable 2023 Notable State Documents Award submission deadline. Nominate your program team’s best publication. Visit the award website for more information.
January 31: CAFLS awards nominations deadline. Nominate a deserving CAFLS faculty/staff member or graduate/undergraduate student. Visit the award website for more information.
