Dear Extension Family,
As we celebrate this holiday season, I want to extend my warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy Hanukkah to each of you. This time of year holds deep spiritual significance for many of us, offering a moment to reflect on the numerous gifts and experiences we’ve had throughout the year.
In the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to become absorbed in our individual challenges and overlook the support and love surrounding us. I encourage everyone to take time during this holiday season to express appreciation for those who are most important in our lives, reminding them they are cherished and valued.
Looking back on this year in Extension, we’ve experienced our share of highs and lows, amidst confusion and frustration. At times, it felt as if we were undervalued or misunderstood. I’m sure there were moments when my own demeanor seemed challenging. During those tough times, I leaned on my beliefs for guidance, patience, and strength. Together with Mr. Lanford and Dr. Burns, we engaged in morning devotions that helped us prioritize our mission and focus on what truly matters for Extension: the health and well-being of our faculty and staff.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for all the hard work and dedication shown by the Clemson Cooperative Extension Team this year. Your unwavering commitment has been the driving force behind successful programs and strong stakeholder engagement, making South Carolina a better place to work and live. Your efforts in connecting with stakeholders—and improving their lives—have not gone unnoticed.
We are fortunate to live in a country where, despite its challenges, we enjoy the freedoms that allow us to thrive. As we gather with family and friends this season, let’s celebrate our successes, take the time to relax, and reflect on all that we are thankful for. Together, we can continue to “Make the Best Better” in 2026.
Warm regards,
Tom
LEVER HALL OF FAME – CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS – NOMINATIONS ARE DUE, DECEMBER 31ST
WHAT IS THE A. FRANK LEVER HALL OF FAME?
The A. Frank Lever Extension Agent Hall of Fame recognizes former Clemson Extension Agents for superior contributions and outstanding leadership in promoting the Extension mission in their home community and throughout the state of South Carolina. Persons selected for recognition will be honored and formally inducted into the Lever Hall of Fame at a ceremony conducted in the spring of 2026.
WHO IS ELIGABLE
Former Extension Agents who have exemplary records of accomplishment in leading Cooperative Extension programs and sustained successful leadership within the organization at various levels will receive priority consideration for induction into the Hall of Fame. Individuals may be considered for induction into the Hall of Fame when their contribution has made a major impact on the condition of community, state or a larger area of the country and the Extension Organization has benefited long term from the leader’s sustained efforts
WHO CAN MAKE NOMINATIONS?
Any member of the community may nominate persons for induction into the Hall of Fame. Nomination forms must be submitted to the Committee by December 31, 2025.
WHAT IS THE SELECTION PROCESS?
With the support of Extension staff appointed by the Extension Director, the Hall of Fame Selection Committee evaluates the entire list of nominees each year during its annual Selection Committee meeting. All nominations not selected will remain on file and in consideration for future induction in perpetuity.
The Committee is a representative group of Extension leaders, advisors and former award recipients who volunteer their time and knowledge to help select and induct nominees to the Lever Hall of Fame.
HOW TO MAKE A NOMINATION
Visit the Lever Hall of Fame site at http://www.clemson.edu/extension/lever-hof/index.html . Select the Nominate tab and complete the online form. As an alternative, you may contact Marie Bolt at jeanneo@clemson.edu or (864) 656-2508 for a fillable word application.
2026 Alston Award for Excellence in Public Relations – Nominations Open Until February 2, 2026
You are invited to nominate a colleague for the 2026 Rowland P. Alston, Sr., ’42 Award for Excellence in Public Relations.
The award was established in 2009 to recognize outstanding Clemson University faculty or staff who, through programs and activities related to agriculture and/or natural resources, have provided Clemson University with positive visibility throughout South Carolina, the United States, and the world. Recipients may be from any discipline or area of the university but should utilize agriculture or the natural resources as their vehicle of influence.
The award includes a $2,500 stipend and a plaque for the recipient. The award is made possible by an endowment established by Rowland Alston, retired extension agent and former host of the public television program “Making It Grow,” in memory of his father.
A representative committee of faculty and staff will select the award recipient. Nominations are confidential, and nominees should not be apprised of their nominations.
Guidelines and a nomination form are available at:
Alston Award for Excellence in Public Relations Nomination Form
The selection committee will review the nominations and select the recipient. The recipient will be announced in early May in conjunction with other University Awards. Please direct any questions you have regarding the award to Chairman of the Selection Committee, Gerry Dukes at gdukes@clemson.edu. The deadline to complete nominations is Monday February 2, 2026.
Service Milestones:
I would like to congratulate the following on their service milestones to Clemson University:
Pamela Barnhill, Administrative Coordinator Florence County, 30 years; Carmen Ketron, Urban Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Coordinator for Darlington and Florence Counties, 10 years; Jessica Simpson, Anderson County 4-H Youth Development Agent, 20 years; Christopher Talley, Livestock & Forages Agent, 20 years; Victoria Cushman, Administrative Assistant Richland County Cooperative Extension Office, 20 years; Lucy Charping, Abbeville County 4-H Youth Development Agent, 10 years; Teresa Lott, Midlands District Director, 10 years; Nathaniel Smith, Associate Professor and Extension Economist, 10 years.
New Employees
Please help me welcome the newest members of our Extension family:
- Bradley Secraw: Consumer Horticulture Agent/Master Gardener Coordinator, Sumter and the point of contact for Lee and Clarendon Counties
- Daniel Lyon: Food Crop Horticulture Agent, Orangeburg County
- Meagan Jordan: Administrative Assistant, Lee 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
- Livestock and Forest Agent, Saluda, Job ID 110092
- Pickney Leadership Program Coordinator, Clemson, Job ID 110090
IN CLOSING …
As we close out this edition, thank you for taking time to stay connected to the people, opportunities, and accomplishments that make Extension strong. Please consider nominating deserving colleagues for our upcoming awards, join me in congratulating our service milestone recipients, and help us welcome our new team members. Your engagement and support continue to shape our shared success. Wishing you a restful holiday season and a strong start to the new year as we move forward together to Make the Best Better.
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
- The 2026 holiday schedule is now available on the Office of Human Resources website. In accordance with state law, Clemson University will close on Election Day in 2026. To meet this requirement and maintain the customary five-day winter break, there will be no optional holiday in 2026.
- Coffee Chat and ELT meetings will resume in February with new links and calendar invites.
- Please share your latest accomplishments, awards, publications and other newsworthy updates with Christi Leard ccampb3@clemson.edu to get in the Director’s Newsletter!
