August 2025: Monthly Director’s Letter

Dear Extension Family,

As we transition from summer into the busy fall season, I want to take a moment to reflect on the many ways Clemson Cooperative Extension continues to impact communities across South Carolina and beyond. From hosting national leaders who recognize the value of our research and outreach, to supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders through youth programs and livestock events, to investing in leadership development among our own staff—our collective work is making a real difference.

Bonus Update:

In previous newsletters and system communications, we shared our intention to implement a Performance-based Incentive Plan for Clemson Cooperative Extension. The plan aims to align with the University’s guidelines by rewarding top-performing employees. Its goal is to encourage high achievement in areas outlined in the Extension Strategic Plan and Team Plans of Work by recognizing employees who earn an “Exceptional” or “Top Performance” rating on their annual evaluations.

However, due to current budget constraints and shifting priorities within the University, we have been unable to secure full approval to proceed with the plan. Unless there are significant improvements in these circumstances, it’s unlikely we will receive approval to move forward with the incentive program this year.

We are disappointed by this outcome but remain committed to pursuing our goals for performance incentives and will keep you updated on any future developments.

I am also pleased to welcome our ClemsonLife intern, Matt Lee, who will be joining our team this semester. Matt is a senior ClemsonLife student from Maryland. He currently works for Founders Credit Union in the Hendrix Student Center as an office assistant, as well as in our main on-campus office. In addition, he serves as a manager for the Clemson women’s basketball team. He helps the team with ball drills and makes sure the floor isn’t slippery. He is also active in Best Buddies. He is excited about working with Clemson Extension. 

This newsletter highlights recent accomplishments, provides important updates, and shares opportunities for each of us to continue advancing our mission. 

Thank you for your dedication, your service, and the positive impact you make every day for our constituents.

NIFA/USDA Director Visit

2025 SC Junior Beef Round-up

2025 South Carolina Junior Beef Round-Up Celebrates Youth, Agriculture, and Education

The 2025 South Carolina Junior Beef Round-Up (SCJBRU) was held August 1–3 at the T. Ed Garrison Arena, where Clemson Extension proudly welcomed youth and their families for this celebrated summertime tradition. This annual event not only provides an opportunity for friendly competition but also serves as a vital educational experience for young livestock exhibitors.

Through daily animal care and preparation, participants develop essential life skills such as responsibility and a strong work ethic. These projects also foster teamwork, sportsmanship, and leadership—values that serve youth well beyond the show ring.

This year, youth from South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama competed in various educational contests, including the Junior Cattlemen’s Contest, where they tested their industry knowledge. Competitors also demonstrated their talents in showmanship, and a total of 11 educational scholarships were awarded to deserving youth to support their continued education.

Over the course of the three-day event, 128 youth lead 160 head of cattle through the Garrison Arena, showcasing their hard work and dedication.

The success of the Round-Up would not be possible without the generous support of sponsors and the proceeds from both the silent and live auctions. Special thanks go to the SCJBRU Advisory Committee, SCJBRU Implementation Team, Clemson Extension Team, and the many families and alumni who continue to support this event year after year.

A heartfelt thank-you is also extended to the outstanding T. Ed Garrison Arena crew for their leadership and behind-the-scenes efforts that helped make the 2025 event run smoothly.

Welcome Extension Emerging Leadership Initiative (EELI) Cohort 5

We are excited to introduce this dynamic group of aspiring leaders for the 5^thCohort of the Extension Emerging Leadership Initiative (EELI). Representing various program teams, specializations, and areas of the state, they bring a wealth of knowledge and skills to help carry out the Cooperative Extension mission. We look forward to another productive partnership with Clemson University and SC State University as we provide excellent service to the citizens of SC!

State Fair:

This year the state fair runs from Wednesday, October 8 through Sunday October 19.  If you are interested in working an additional day to your program teams’, please reach out to Becca Hedden at rthomp7@clemson.edu. We need additional help on October 12^th, 17^th, and 18^th.

Salesforce:

Reminder….Please be advised of the following updates:

• The CUMIS Projects tab is now titled Extension Projects tab.
• Extension projects have been updated in accordance with each Program Team Directors request. This may change where you report data for this fiscal year. Please consult the project names and descriptions. If you have questions, please refer to your Program Team Director.
• CUMIS Entries are now titled Extension Entries. Types of Extension Entries include Professional Development, Scholarly Work, and Social Media. You must select one of these types and fill out subsequent details on the tab.
• Reports are available on the Reports tab in the Agent Reports folder. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please reach out.

If you have questions or feedback, please contact Becca Hedden at rthomp7@clemson.edu.
Please ensure that all interactions and Extension Projects are entered accurately so your contributions are fully documented and the impact of your work on our constituents is clearly reflected.

Reminder: New Hands-Free Driving Law

Beginning September 1, 2025, South Carolina’s new Hands-Free and Distracted Driving Act will go into effect. This law, along with the State Fleet Policy (SWM-200, Section D), directly affects how Extension employees may use mobile devices when operating state vehicles.

What the Law and State Fleet Policy Require:

• No handheld use – You may not hold or support a mobile device with any part of your body while driving.
• Hands-free only – Mobile devices may only be used in hands-free mode, or while the vehicle is in park for official state business.
• Texting, emailing, or app use prohibited – Drivers may not read, compose, or send messages, emails, or app interactions while in motion.
• No watching videos or media – Streaming, gaming, or video calls on a device are not allowed while driving.
• Emergency exception – Calls to 911 for emergencies (accidents, road hazards, fires, or medical issues) are allowed but should be brief.

Enforcement:

• For the first 180 days, law enforcement will issue warnings only.
• After that, violations may result in fines and points on your driver’s license.

Why This Matters:
Distracted driving is a leading cause of collisions in South Carolina and across the U.S.

• In South Carolina, distracted or inattentive driving contributes to 20,000+ crashes annually.
• In 2022, nationally, 3,308 people were killed and nearly 290,000 injured in crashes involving distracted drivers.
• Just five seconds of looking away from the road at 55 mph equals driving the length of a football field with your eyes closed.

What You Can Do to Stay Safe:

• Put your phone away before driving.
• Use hands-free options only.
• Pull over and park before reading or responding to messages.
• Avoid eating, emotional conversations, or other distractions behind the wheel.
• Ensure all passengers are properly buckled and cargo is secured before you start driving.

Bottom Line:
When driving an Extension fleet vehicle, you are responsible for operating it safely and legally. Following these rules helps protect you, your passengers, and others on the road — while ensuring our compliance with both state law and state fleet policy.

Thank you for your cooperation in making safety our top priority.

New Employees 

Please help me welcome the newest members of our Extension family:

• Trinity White: Program Assistant to the School & Community Gardening program on the Horticulture Program Team, TEACH Center 
• Tawanah Reeves-Ligon: 4-H Agent, Dorchester County
• Brandon Green: Horticulture Agent, Union County

Job Openings

We have new openings to fill with talent. The following positions with their job ID numbers are currently posted on the Clemson Careers website. http://www.clemson.edu/careers

• Food Crop Horticulture Agent, Orangeburg, Job ID 109878
• 4-H Agent, Charleston Extension Office, Job ID 109872

IN CLOSING …

As we move into the fall season, I am reminded once again of the strength of our Extension family. The work you do every day—whether through research, teaching, outreach, or direct support to our communities—continues to uphold the land-grant mission that Clemson is known for. Your dedication not only drives impact across South Carolina but also inspires confidence in the future of agriculture, youth development, health, and community engagement.

Thank you for your continued commitment, teamwork, and service. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and look forward to the opportunities ahead.

As always, please take good care of yourselves and your families, and thank you for what you do for Clemson Cooperative Extension.

Upcoming Events and Reminders

• Reminder: Kronos will be temporarily unavailable for all Clemson employees from September 4 at 1 p.m. to September 7 at 11:59 p.m. During this window, employees will not be able to access the system to track time or enter leave. More information and instructions for employees are available on Clemson News.
• September 17^th 10:30 am – 1:00 pm Professional Headshots taken at Cooper Library Room 413
• Please share your latest accomplishments, awards, publications and other newsworthy updates with Christi Leard ccampb3@clemson.edu to get in the Director’s Newsletter!