Dear Extension Family,
As we move into the heart of summer, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for your continued commitment to the mission of Clemson Cooperative Extension. Your unwavering dedication to the people of South Carolina is making a real difference, and I see it every single day—in your programs, your partnerships, and most importantly, your impact.
We have faced challenges together over the past year, and I remain proud of how this organization continues to rise to meet them. Whether through smart efficiencies, strong teamwork, or good old-fashioned grit, Extension has kept moving forward. I want to again reassure you: your leadership team wakes up every morning focused on one thing—getting you the tools and support you need to serve your communities and do your job well.
This newsletter includes a recap of the Super Saturday CDE events held in April—what a fantastic turnout and a true showcase of our youth development efforts. I’m also honored to recognize this year’s Lever Hall of Fame Inductees. Each individual highlighted has demonstrated a lifetime of dedication to Extension, agriculture, and education. Their legacies continue to inspire the work we do today.
In addition, we celebrate major achievements from our colleagues—Janet Steele, Kirby Player, and the Rural Health Program Team, among others. These recognitions are a testament to the caliber of talent and passion we have across our organization.
I’ll close by echoing a message I’ve shared before: it’s more important than ever that we document the impact of our work. Data tells our story—it allows our partners and supporters to see the return on investment in Extension. I need your help in capturing and sharing that story. Let’s make sure your hard work gets the recognition it deserves.
As my grandmother used to say, “You can’t control the season, but you can always plant with hope.” Thank you for continuing to serve with excellence, resilience, and purpose.
Super Saturday CDE Recap – April 26, 2025
We are excited to share the outstanding participation numbers from our “Super Saturday” Career Development Events (CDEs), held on the campus of Clemson University on Saturday, April 26, 2025. This action-packed day showcased the talents and dedication of FFA members from across the region.
Event Participation Highlights:
- Agricultural Mechanics: 20 teams | 79 participants
- Agricultural Mechanics – Middle School Division: 5 teams | 20 participants
- Meats Evaluation: 12 teams | 46 participants
- Poultry: 18 teams | 70 participants
Additionally, please find attached eight photos highlighting moments from the Poultry CDE. These materials are shared in response to Dr. Hall’s recent email. If additional details are needed, feel free to reach out.
Thank you to all who contributed to making this event a success!
– Troy
2025 Lever Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony – May 30th and 31st
Congratulations to our Inductees https://www.clemson.edu/extension/lever-hof/inductees/class-25.html
Thomasina Tyler
Mrs. Thomasina C. Tyler’s 30-year career with Clemson Cooperative Extension stands as a testament to her unwavering dedication to both youth and community development. As the first full-time African American County Extension Agent in Jasper County in 1971, she pioneered programs like Project LEARN, which enhanced self-esteem, academic skills, and cultural awareness among at-risk youth. Her leadership extended to securing grants for afterschool programs and mentoring hundreds of 4-H youth, many of whom went on to achieve state and national recognition. Mrs. Tyler’s impact reached beyond Extension as she became an influential figure in local organizations, from serving on church committees to supporting youth through the NAACP and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
Charles Davis
Mr. Charles W. Davis, Jr. has dedicated over 40 years to South Carolina agriculture, beginning with SC State University’s 1890 Extension and later joining Clemson Extension in Calhoun County. He earned a degree in Agricultural Mechanization and Business from Clemson University and has played a key role in advancing conservation tillage and developing South Carolina’s peanut industry. He also helped create a regional Certified Crop Advisor Training Program to support professional development in agriculture. Beyond his Extension work, Charles has served in leadership roles with Rotary, his church, and other community.
Howard Hiller
Mr. Howard Hiller served South Carolina Extension for over four decades, making major contributions in agriculture, 4-H youth development, natural resources, and leadership. He worked in Allendale, Oconee, and Pickens Counties, serving as both agent and County Extension Director, supporting commercial growers, forest landowners, beekeepers, and 4-H youth. Howard played a vital role in programs like the Federal Excess Property Program, Master Naturalist Program, and forestry and beekeeping associations, while securing funding for innovative efforts like poultry chains and leadership training. Known for his dedication, he was also a decorated Army veteran, community leader, and respected mentor to colleagues and landowners.
Russell Duncan
Mr. Russell Duncan served Clemson University Cooperative Extension from 1983 to 2010, working in Clarendon, Marion, Williamsburg, and Florence Counties. He developed key programs like the Central Farm Management Association and introduced precision agriculture to local farmers, significantly improving crop efficiency and sustainability. Russell also pioneered the Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) workshop, still held today. His leadership within the SC Association of County Agricultural Agents and the National Association of County Agricultural Agents earned him numerous awards, including the National Distinguished Service Award. Russell’s work continues through his business, CRD Agronomics, where he assists farmers with soil sampling and crop recommendations.
State Fair:
This year the state fair dates are October 8th through October 19th. Becca and Lance will provide more information soon.
Salesforce:
Salesforce is a customer relationship management software that also serves as Clemson Extension’s reporting system.
Helpful Tips:
- Please make sure you utilize the Program Events tab to update records related to programming. On the Program Event you may add assisting Team Members in addition to the Project Number
- To view existing reports please utilize the Reports Tab and the Agent Reports folder. In this folder you will find a number of reports you may find helpful. You may clone these reports and save a copy in your Private Folder to make edits and learn how the reports work. Please feel free to contact the Advisory team should you need assistance or would like to request a report.
SC Botanical Garden
We are pleased to announce that CU Cooperative Extension Service may have access to the following SC Botanical Garden facilities at no charge to deliver Extension programming:
• The Carriage House and Lower Lawn any time during regular business hours Monday-Thursday
• The Hayden Conference Center lecture room, conference room, and kitchen any time during regular business hours Monday-Thursday
Bookings for these facilities are required at least 30 days in advance. A no-fee contract must be signed and submitted to complete the reservation. All SCBG rental policies apply to these reservations except for deposit, payment and TULIP insurance. Extension programs may be limited to 3 reservations monthly depending on staffing and event capacity. Please email the garden at scbgrentals@clemson.edu or call 864-656-2536 to discuss details and receive copies of related policies and contracts. For any other potential research and education use that doesn’t require indoor space, please use the garden research and classroom use request form (https://www.clemson.edu/scbg/research/). Photography/recording sessions should be notified via our Photo/Videographer Registry (https://www.clemson.edu/scbg/visit/#tour). Once registered, to schedule a photography or videography shoot please contact please call 864-656-2536 or email scbg@clemson.edu.
Service Milestones:
I would like to congratulate the following on their service milestones to Clemson University:
Steven Jeffers, Professor of Plant Pathology & Extension Specialist, Ornamental Crops & Trees
Horticulture Program Team, Plant and Environmental Sciences Department, 30 Years.
Congratulations to Janet Steele!
Janet is receiving the Forest Landowners Association’s (FLA) 2025 Extension Forester of the Year Award! This award aims to recognize outstanding landowners and forestry professionals contributing to the advancement of the private forest landowner community.
Congratulations to Kirby Player!
I would like to congratulate Kirby Player lecturer and coordinator of Clemson’s Palmetto Leadership Program for the Environment, Agriculture and Forestry, received South Carolina’s Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian honor awarded by the State of South Carolina.
Congratulations to the Rural Health Program Team!
Clemson University’s Health Extension for Diabetes program received the 2025 Priester Culture of Health Award, a prestigious national recognition of its measurable contributions to health and well-being across the state.
New Employees
Please help me welcome the newest members of our Extension family:
- Shelby Hammond: Agronomic Crops Agent, Kershaw, Chesterfield, and Lancaster Counties
- Abi Taylor: Horticulture Agent, York County
- Jessica Hardiman: Food Safety and Nutrition Agent, Charleston, Berkley, and Dorchester Counties
IN CLOSING …
As we turn the page to summer, I encourage each of you to take a moment to reflect on the impact you’ve made—and to recharge when you can. The work you do matters deeply to South Carolina’s communities, and your efforts do not go unnoticed. We’ve accomplished much together, and I’m confident the season ahead will bring even more opportunities to grow, serve, and lead.
As always, please take good care of yourselves and your families, and thank you for what you do for Clemson Cooperative Extension.
