Dear Extension Family,
As we welcome the crisp days of October and all the vibrant energy fall brings, let’s take a moment to reflect on the exciting milestones and accomplishments from September.
Last month was filled with meaningful recognition, impactful events, and new beginnings. We celebrated the official naming of the John W. Parris Interchange, honoring a lifelong champion of conservation and agriculture in South Carolina. Our NIFA/USDA visit was spotlighted nationally, showcasing the strength of our programs and partnerships. We also celebrated the release of the newly revised South Carolina Master Gardener Training Manual, a resource that will continue to grow our state’s gardening expertise.
Our Extension family grew with several new team members joining us across the state—welcome! And we honored both service milestones and outstanding professional achievements, including a national award for Dr. Patty Scharko.
Looking ahead, October promises continued engagement through events like the State Fair, Disability Awareness Month, and the ever-popular Fall Plant Sale at the SC Botanical Garden. Whether you’re planning programs, participating in outreach, or simply enjoying the season, thank you for the work you do each day to serve our communities.
John W. Parris Interchange:
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) has officially named the interchange of Interstate 26 and Highway 11 at Exit 5 in Spartanburg County “John W. Parris Interchange” in honor of John W. Parris. Parris, a lifelong advocate for agriculture and natural resources, is recognized for his decades of leadership and service to South Carolina, including his role as State Conservationist and his lasting impact on agricultural education and land stewardship.
The John W. Parris Interchange designation pays tribute to his dedication to conservation, education, and the advancement of South Carolina’s agricultural community. Signage recognizing the interchange naming will be placed at the site, ensuring future generations remember his contributions to the state.
NIFA/USDA Published Visit with Us!
Our recent NIFA/USDA visit has been featured on the official site! You can read the full post here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDANIFA/bulletins/3f2ef4b
The Newly Revised South Carolina Master Gardener Training Manual:
Clemson Extension and the Clemson University Press celebrated the release of the newly revised South Carolina Master Gardener Training Manual with a garden party on Wednesday, October 1, at 3 p.m. at the South Carolina Botanical Garden Carriage House.
State Fair:
It’s State Fair time! 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.
University NDEAM Disability Awareness Month:
Virtual events beginning October 6-30th Please see website for more details.
Accessibility portal website launched with digital accessibility resources: https://www.clemson.edu/accessibility/digital/index.html
Salesforce:
- CUMIS Entries are now titled Extension Entries. Types of Extension Entries include Event, 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.
Extension Foundation:
Take advantage of your Extension Foundation membership! Founded 19 years ago by Extension Directors and Administrators, the Foundation supports Cooperative Extension professionals by providing professional development opportunities and exclusive services. Its core mission is to help U.S. Cooperative Extension increase its visibility, measurable impact, and effectiveness in addressing local issues.
Introducing Connect
Connect is a private social media platform for Cooperative Extension staff, Land-grant University professionals, community partners, and federal agencies. It enables you to share information and resources across the system and to promote Extension events to colleagues nationwide and the public. The Connect advertising calendar currently receives 150,000 views each month from the public.
Connect also hosts several specialized groups focused on key national priorities within Cooperative Extension, such as Health Equity, Workforce Development, Climate, Urban Extension, and more.
Joining Connect is open to all Land-grant University professionals—membership in the Extension Foundation is not required. You can create your free account today!
Service Milestones:
I would like to congratulate the following on their service milestones to Clemson University:
Daniel Anco, Extension Peanut Specialist, 10 years
Congratulations to Patty Scharko!
I would like to congratulate Patty Scharko for being named the 2025 “Donald E. Bailey Practitioner of the Year” Award by AASRP (American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners) at the annual meeting this past July. Patty was president in 2015 and has been an active member of the association for 42 years. She received a beautiful crystal vase with the award plaque on the base. Congratulations Patty and Thank you for all you do!
New Employees
Please help me welcome the newest members of our Extension family:
- Margaret Estridge: Rural Health & Nutrition Agent, Spartanburg County
- Sydney Rentz: Livestock & Forages Agent, Newberry, Greenwood and Laurens Counties
- Cindy Foley: 4-H Youth Development Agent, Sumter County
Botanical Garden Fall Plant Sale and Events:
Autumn is one of the best times to experience the SC Botanical Garden, and we’re excited to share a season full of opportunities for learning, discovery, and community. From family-friendly open houses at the Hunt Cabin, Nature Learning Center, Hanover House, and the Caboose, to special nature programs exploring the hidden lives of animals, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, don’t miss our highly anticipated Fall Plant Sale—a chance to support the Garden while adding beauty and biodiversity to your own landscape.
Please see more at: https://blogs.clemson.edu/staffsenate/2025/09/09/september-news-and-events-from-the-sc-botanical-gardens/
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 Safety Agent for HGIC, Social Media and Marketing, Clemson, Job ID 109968
- Mobile Food Safety Program Associate, Clemson, Job ID 109966
- Consumer Food Safety and Preservation Associate, Clemson, Job ID 109962
- Fermentation and Brewing Associate, Clemson, Job ID 109963
- Food Analysis & Formation Associate, Clemson, Job ID 109964
- SC Botanical Garden Facilities Manager, Clemson, Job ID 109958
- 4-H Extension Agent, Berkeley County, Job ID 108968
IN CLOSING …
As we move further into October, we’re reminded of the strength of our Extension family and the important role each of you plays in making our programs impactful and meaningful across the state. From celebrating distinguished service and welcoming new colleagues, to embracing new tools like Salesforce and sharing our story on national platforms, your dedication continues to elevate Clemson Extension’s mission.
Whether you’re participating in the State Fair, leading educational events, or helping families and communities thrive—thank you for your time, energy, and commitment. Wishing you a productive and inspiring October!
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:
- Please share your latest accomplishments, awards, publications and other newsworthy updates with Christi Leard ccampb3@clemson.edu to get in the Director’s Newsletter!
