Dear Extension Family,
As we begin a new fiscal year, I want to thank each of you for your continued dedication to Clemson Cooperative Extension and the people we serve across South Carolina. This time of year brings both new opportunities and new responsibilities, and I appreciate the flexibility, professionalism, and teamwork you have demonstrated as we transition to our new Workday system. I know learning a new system takes time and patience, and I appreciate your commitment to making this transition a success.
As we celebrate Independence Day, I hope each of you has the opportunity to enjoy a safe and relaxing holiday with family and friends. Thank you for the important work you do every day to strengthen our communities and uphold Clemson Extension’s land-grant mission.
This month’s newsletter includes important reminders, employee recognitions, service milestones, and highlights from across our Extension system. I hope you enjoy reading about the outstanding work taking place throughout our organization.
Big thank you to Marie Bolt while the circus was in town!
4-H Horse Show
The 2026 South Carolina 4-H State Horse Show held June 9th-11th at T Ed Garrison Arena in Clemson, SC, brought together 4-H members from across the state. Competitors excelled in numerous disciplines, including Dressage, Jumping, Western and Speed events. In addition to hands-on events, the Horse Project Creative Contest entries showcased youth artwork and handicrafts.
Our South Carolina 4-H Equine Program would like to extend special recognition to the Division Champions and Reserve Champions from the show: Alanna Shirk, Eli Hutson, Kali Beverly, Madison Storey, Shannon Abbey, Haven Bell, Sophia Lastinger, Kaitlyn Chavis, Enslie Guidotti, Anna Grace Pukl, Renata Wendelowski, Adelaide Bryant, Brayden Morris, Allison Jewell, Eden Lastinger, Slade Shirley, and Riley Webster. Congratulations to our exhibitors and a special thank you to the South Carolina Horse Council for their sponsorship of the Junior and Senior Versatility classes.
State Fair:
The 2026 South Carolina State Fair is set to run from Thursday, October 15 through Sunday, October 25. Please plan to represent Extension at our booth in the Ellison Building on one of these days. We are now taking volunteers to work shifts on Sunday, October 18 and Saturday, October 24. Please contact Becca Hedden at rthomp7@clemson.edu ASAP.
Salesforce:
Please be advised the Fiscal Year ended on June 30, 2026. Your files should be updated to include all of your Program Events, Interactions, and Extension Entries. Key fields should be completed, including the Extension Project, Program County/Work Location, Hours of Instruction/Contact Hours, and marking Program Events as “Complete.” We will start pulling these for our final reports.
Civil Rights:
Upcoming: Soon you will receive an invitation to Instructure Canvas to complete the Civil Rights Compliance Course through ClemsonOnline. This course has been reviewed and approved by USDA-NIFA and will serve as an annual Civil Rights Training for Clemson Cooperative Extension Service. Once you have completed all lessons in the training, please take the final quiz. You will receive a Certificate of Completion upon passing the quiz. Please save this certificate for your records. If you have any questions, please contact Candice Heatherly at ceharpe@clemson.edu.
Service Milestones:
I would like to congratulate the following on their service milestones to Clemson University:
Tom Dobbins, Associate Dean of Outreach & Engagement Director of Extension Service and Professor, 40 Years; Jonathan Croft, Agronomic Crops – Orangeburg, Dorchester, Berkeley Counties, 20 Years; Shannon Barrett, Director of Planning & Engagement SC Botanical Gardens, 10 Years; Dawn Stuckey, Colleton & Hampton County 4-H Youth Development Agent, 10 Years;
New Employees
Please help me welcome the newest members of our Extension family:
- Liliana Flores: EFNEP Nutrition Educator, Spartanburg County
- Holly Jewell: 4-H Youth Development Equine Program Coordinator, Clemson
IN CLOSING …
As we move through the summer, I encourage you to take time to recharge while continuing the important work that makes Clemson Cooperative Extension a trusted resource across South Carolina. Thank you for your dedication, professionalism, and willingness to embrace new opportunities and changes, including the continued implementation of Workday.
I appreciate all that you do to serve our citizens, support one another, and advance our land-grant mission. I wish you and your families a safe, enjoyable summer, and I look forward to all we will accomplish together in the months 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
- Please share your latest accomplishments, awards, publications and other newsworthy updates with Christi Leard ccampb3@clemson.edu to get in the Director’s Newsletter!
