Extension Employee News

July 2024: Monthly Director’s Letter

Posted on by dawnw

Dear Extension Family, 

I am proud to announce the completion of the final stage of our Strategic Plan regarding our administrative structure. We have successfully established five equal-sized regions, and we are pleased to welcome Ms. Terasa Lott as the 5th full-time District Extension Director. In line with this structural enhancement, I have also implemented the following changes to the roles and responsibilities of our Extension Associate Directors:

Ms. Deon Legette
–  Coordinate with SC State Extension on our programs, joint initiatives and future collaborations.
–  Direct the EELI program and collaborate with others to expand its reach.
–  Collaborate with Vice President Julio Hernandez on University Outreach initiatives involving Cooperative Extension.

Dr. Matt Burns
–  Supervise and coordinate Extension Program Development and County Operations with District Extension Directors and Program Team Directors.
–  Lead assessment and evaluation efforts, including the Salesforce implementation.
–  Facilitate CAFLS departmental collaboration across programs with Department Chairs and Research Center Directors.

Mr. Blake Lanford
–  Develop and implement comprehensive state and county Extension budgets.
–  Oversee County Advisory Committees and priority Extension initiatives.
–  Lead policy review, development and strategic planning efforts.

These strategic actions are designed to strengthen our organizational structure, enhance our collaborative efforts and ensure the continued success of our programs. With them, we are well-positioned to achieve our goals and serve our communities more effectively as they were created with one goal: “How can we make Extension better to serve our stakeholders?” As you begin each day, I encourage you to ask yourself how you can make Extension better for your stakeholders. I would like to thank all of you for your continued dedication to and support for our efforts to continuously evaluate, enhance and grow our efforts externally and internally.

NACAA Conference Awards

NACAA Logo

I can’t complain about the heat in Dallas last week—our representation and awardee numbers were on fire at the National Association for County Agricultural Agents (NACAA) Conference. We had a total of 58 agents recognized across 19 award categories. It is truly inspiring to have an abundance of talent from Clemson recognized in one forum. Please visit the Blog post to view the complete list of awards.

Ag + Art Tour Wrap-Up

We are hearing lots of great news and feedback about the outcome of the 2024 Ag + Art Tour, which wrapped up in June. Early indications are that over 30,000 people experienced our state’s farms in 20 counties and the artistic heritage of our rural culture. The Tour’s success has encouraged five additional counties to participate in 2025, which means we will have half of the state’s counties on board. 

Summertime Youth Engagement

We all know how much kids love summer, and our Extension youth make the absolute most of it. Kudos to our Agricultural Education and 4-H Youth Development Program Teams! There is no doubt they are hitting it out of the park this summer.

The SC FFA (Future Farmers of America) is on a record-breaking streak in its mission to provide youth with a path to achievement through agricultural education. The state FFA convention in June drew a record number of students and guests, which is a bonus on top of having record membership for the year at over 13,000 and an increase in state officer candidates. Four students received over $26.5K in scholarships from the National FFA which was another record number. And to top it all off, for the first time in SC FFA history, a seventh delegate was acquired for the National FFA Convention. Congratulations to Mr. Troy Helms, Ms. Jillian Lasch and the devoted team members for their incredible efforts. I invite everyone to visit the photo gallery they have shared.

The 4-H Pinckney Leadership Program continues to excel in cultivating leadership skills among middle and high school students, empowering them to make a positive impact in their clubs, communities and beyond. This summer, the program’s commitment to developing tomorrow’s leaders was showcased across three dynamic programs: Conference, Camp, and Conference 2.0. They proudly hosted 204 youth leaders representing 27 South Carolina counties and celebrated their largest middle school camp to date. That is a true testament to the growing interest in and impact of the 4-H Pinckney Leadership Program initiatives and the outstanding efforts of the program director, Ms. Rushawnda Olden, her team members and volunteers. Please take the time to visit their photo gallery and get a glimpse of the experiences.

Land-Grant Awareness Week

September will bring monumental recognition for the work of Cooperative Extension when we celebrate our first Land-Grant Awareness Week campaign with the entire Clemson family. The campaign will coincide with the “land-grant day” designation for the September 21 home football game against NC State. There will be large-scale, vibrant messaging tactics across campus to educate students, faculty, staff and visitors about the University’s land-grant history and the Cooperative Extension mission. If you would like to contribute photos or images that feature our Extension team members, projects and stakeholders, please upload them to the campaign Box folder. If you have additional questions about Land-Grant Awareness Week, please contact Ms. Mallory Maher at mallord@clemson.edu.

Salesforce

The adaptation of Salesforce has given us the ability to report remarkable metrics for the success of your efforts. You are the drivers of world-class outcomes. In the month of June, Extension staff and faculty hosted over 700 programs across our system, and for the month of July, we are closing in on a total of 600 programs! It is beneficial for you to understand how these metrics are calculated through your use of Salesforce. Please read the insightful overview provided by Dr. Matt Burns in the Salesforce Blog post.

A graph chart showing an increase in contacts.
DASH Extension Program Events Created

New Employees and Milestones

I would like to introduce the newest members of our Extension family: Ms. Christina Dykstra, Administrative Assistant for the Aiken County office; Ms. Kathryn Flynn, Rural Health Agent for Oconee County; Mr. Broughton Goodson, Agronomic Crops Agent for Kershaw, Chesterfield and Lancaster Counties; Ms. Rachel Horne, Administrative Assistant for Newberry County; and Ms. Caroline Saathoff, Livestock and Forages Agent for Georgetown, Horry and Clarendon Counties. We are excited to have you join us in our mission to serve the citizens of South Carolina. Additionally, I would like to recognize Ms. Patricia Whitener, 4-H Natural Resources Program Leader, for her 10-year milestone with Cooperative Extension.

  • Christina Dykstra
  • Kathryn Flynn
  • Broughton Goodson
  • Rachel Horne
  • Caroline Saathoff
  • Patricia Whitener

Job Openings

We have openings to fill with talent. The following positions with their job ID numbers are currently posted on the Clemson Careers website.

  • 4-H Youth Development Agent, Berkeley, 108968
  • 4-H Youth Development Agent, Greenwood, 108760
  • 4-H Youth Development Agent, Williamsburg, 108887
  • 4-H Youth Development Agent, Newberry, 108763
  • Rural Health Agent, Laurens, 109104
  • Rural Health Agent, Greenville, 109103
  • Invasive Species Removal Specialist – South Carolina Botanical Garden, 109111
  • Consumer Horticulture and State Master Gardener Program Coordinator, Various Counties, 108698
  • Urban Horticulture Agent, Spartanburg, 108606
  • Urban Horticulture Agent, York, 108886
  • Urban Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener Coordinator, Charleston, 109120

In Closing

Last month, I was fortunate to be present to watch Mr. John Parris recognize his friend, Governor David Beasley, as the newest recipient of the John W. Parris Agricultural Leadership Award. Mr. Parris was a true champion for South Carolina, and his vast list of accomplishments and experiences provides evidence of his passion for agriculture and conservation. I am comforted that his legacy will continue to be honored through the Agricultural Leadership Award in his name and that it will inspire many others.

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

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2024 NACAA Awards

Posted on by dawnw

Southern: Achievement Awards

The purpose of the Achievement Award Program is to encourage and recognize excellence in the field of professional Extension for members with less than ten years of service.

Mallory Maher
Sarah Scott

Southern: Distinguished Service Awards

The purpose of the Distinguished Service Award Program is to encourage and recognize excellence in the field of professional Extension for members with more than ten years of service.

Jaime Pohlman
Zachary Snipes

Regional Winners

Audio Recording: Grower Exchange Podcast
Justin Ballew
Sarah Scott, Zach Snipes, Rob Last

Bound Book/Ebook: Concepts and Research-Based Guidelines for South Carolina Forage Systems
Liliane Severino Da Silva

Educational Video Recordings: Flush Only Toilet Paper Mass Media Campaign
Susan Lunt
Katie Collins, Samantha Porzelt, Bea Calhoun, Catherine Watts, Tancey Belken, Steven O’shields, Ellen Sturup Comeau

Event Promotional Package: 2nd Annual SC Women in Agriculture Conference
Charlotte Maxwell
Jaime Pohlman, Sarah Scott, Kathy Coleman, Chase Baillie, Bethany Funkhouser, Emily Sweatt, Freddricka Pressley, Hannah Mikell, Janet Steele, Amber Starnes, Marie Bolt, Becky Davis, Bailee Floyd, Lee Petitgout

Website/Online Content: Forage Drops – An Educational Forage and Livestock Channel
Liliane Severino Da Silva

State Winners

Agriculture Awareness And Appreciation Award: South Carolina Grower Website/Blog
Justin Ballew
Zach Snipes, Sarah Scott, Rob Last, Andy Rollins, Brittney King, Phillip Carnley, Briana Naumuk

Computer Generated Presentation with Script: Plant This Not That: Native Alternatives for Invasive Species in SC
Terasa Lott

Fact Sheet: Measuring Forage Mass on Pastures to Adjust Stocking Rate
Liliane Severino Da Silva

Feature Story: Files For the Farm Business
Kevin Burkett

Learning Module/Notebook: Be Well Informed Online Course
Charly Greenthaler
Katie Collins, Becky Davis, Heather Nix, Derrick Phinney

Newsletter: CU in the Woods Newsletter
Jaime Pohlman
Derrick Phinney, Puskar Khanal, Cory Heaton, Stephen Pohlman, Jeff Fellers, David Coyle, Patrick Hiesl, Amanda Taylor, Tancey Belken, TJ Savereno, Carolyn Dawson, Ryan Bean

Personal Column: Green Thumb Gardening
Paul Thompson

Publication: Historical Floods of South Carolina (Land-Grant Press) 
Susan Lunt, Vidya Samadi

Photo: A Desirable Chickweed, Who Knew?
Paul Thompson

Search for Excellence in 4-H Programming: 2023 Newberry County 4-H Summer Breakfast Club
Alana West

Search For Excellence in Young, Beginning, or Small Farmers/Ranchers: Family, Forests, Future: Engaging and Educating New and Beginning Forest Landowners
Janet Steele
Patrick Hiesl

Posters

SC Women’s Agricultural Network
Sarah Scott, Jaime Pohlman, Charley Maxwell, Kathy Coleman, Chase Baillie, Bethany Funkhouser, Emily Sweatt, Freddricka Pressley, Hannah Mikell, Janet Steele, Amber Starnes, Marie Bolt, Becky Davis, Lee Petitgout

Evaluation of Cool-Season Forage Species as a Decision Tool for Forage and Livestock Producers in South Carolina
Liliane Severino Da Silva, Brian Beer, Rogerio Furlan, Daniel Adkinson, Katie Seavey

Poster – National Finalist and Regional Winner

Singing in the Rain: Embracing the Hybrid Method for Rain Garden Education
Mallory Maher, Susan Lunt, Samantha Porzelt, Derrick Phinney, Sarah Waickowski, Amy Scaroni, Amy Warner, Rachel Greene

Posted in Awards AnnouncementTagged Leave a Comment on 2024 NACAA Awards

May 2024: Monthly Director’s Letter

Posted on by dawnw

Dear Extension Family,    

Save the Date image for the Joint Extension Conference on February 12-14, 2025 at the Columbia Convention Center

Our first Joint Extension Conference in December 2022 was an amazing accomplishment. It invigorated perspectives about our purpose, sparked creativity, extended fellowship and fostered strategies to instill the framework for a vibrant network between Clemson University and South Carolina State University. The outcome proved that such an event is indeed worthy of the time everyone put into it–whether they were a participant or planner. We can make the best even better by reconvening for the second occurrence of this monumental conference in February 2025 at the Columbia Convention Center in the Midlands. I look forward to sharing more information in the coming months as the planning committee explores objectives and shapes an agenda.

Recent Events

  • Conference room with table and chairs.
    T.E.A.C.H. Conference Room
  • Entrance to a center in a building.
    T.E.A.C.H. Entrance
  • Conference room with people in it.
    Open House Attendees

Our statewide presence has taken center stage over the past two months. I am very proud of our efforts to launch the T.E.A.C.H. Center at the Citadel Mall in Charleston, and I thoroughly enjoyed attending the open house event a few weeks ago. This one-of-a-kind Extension facility is designed to address the need for flexible and accessible training space for our program teams to deliver innovative, multidisciplinary programming. T.E.A.C.H stands for Training, Education, Agriculture and Community Health. The Center includes a classroom, conference room, informal workspace and flex offices for visiting staff. There is also a Master Gardener Volunteer help desk to engage clients and mall visitors with their gardening questions. Please contact Ms. Amy Dabbs at adabbs@clemson.edu if you like more information or to reserve space at the T.E.A.C.H. Center.

  • Group of women.
    EFNEP Team Members
  • Woman standing next to a poster.
    Kimberly Baker
  • People standing on a staircase.
    RHN Team Members

The expertise of our Rural Health and Nutrition (RHN), Food Systems and Safety, EFNEP, 4-H Youth Development, Water Resources and Agribusiness program teams were on full display at the National Health Innovation Extension and Outreach (NHOC) Conference in Greenville earlier this month. Clemson Cooperative Extension was a co-host for the conference along with the University of Georgia Extension and North Carolina State Extension. We were fortunate to secure notable national speakers, including representatives from the CDC, USDA Food and Nutrition Services and the Medical University of South Carolina, as well as the former Surgeon General Jerome Adams. The impressive oral and poster presentations spoke volumes about the impact of Clemson Cooperative Extension.

Portrait of Gayle Williford.
Gayle Williford

The 2024 Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference for the South Carolina Association of County Agricultural Agents (SCACAA) and South Carolina Association of Extension 4-H Agents (SCAE4-HA) took place in Beaufort a couple of weeks ago. Agents came together from across the state for professional development sessions and networking opportunities and to spotlight a group of awardees for outstanding work over the past year. You can view the list of our award recipients on the National SCACAA website. Additionally, Ms. Gayle Williford, Food Systems and Safety/4-H Youth Development Agent for Berkeley, Charleston and Dorchester Counties, was recognized by SCAE4-HA for her 25 years of dedicated service.

Over two dozen Agents and Associates from three program teams attended the Urban Entomology In-Service Training at Sandhill REC in April. It was a full day of informational presentations from Dr. Eric Benson, Extension Urban Entomologist, and Mr. Cory Tanner, Horticulture Program Team Director, about pests that impact the places where people live, work and play. Attendees were treated to a tour of the termite training foundation used to train termite technicians on the intricacies of effective termite management. The agenda also included a presentation about a psychological condition that is more common than most would think or are even aware of—delusional infestation. This condition leads a person to believe they are infested with insects on or in their body when no evidence of such an infestation exists. This condition has, in fact, led clients to our county offices and is a very sensitive issue that is difficult for Agents to navigate. Dr. Benson provided excellent strategies for interacting with these clients and directing them to appropriate resources.

  • In-Service Training Participants
  • Eric Benson
Ag and Art Tour logo.

The Agribusiness Program Team’s 2024 South Carolina Ag + Art Tour is in full swing through the end of June. Since the beginning of May, nine counties have introduced the general public to self-guided farm tours and markets featuring local artisans. Attendance has been incredible despite the weekend rain we have gotten. There are 11 more counties to celebrate, with over 100 farm sites left to explore. I invite you to watch the 2024 Kickoff YouTube video about the Tour.

Evaluations

An evaluation process for all levels of Cooperative Extension is key to creating continuous improvement in our operations. I have been working with contacts at Auburn University to receive insight for the purpose of enhancing the process we utilize to evaluate the performance of District Directors and Program Team Directors. Auburn University has a very effective evaluation approach. Our updated evaluation form is undergoing additional revisions and will be released once it is finalized, and I will keep everyone updated on this initiative.

Salesforce Updates

As the end of the fiscal year approaches, we would like to remind everyone that Salesforce is designed to capture Interactions with clients (contacts) and programmatic events and house our civil rights program files. Our Salesforce leads would also like to emphasize the following points:

  • Please ensure you are entering the appropriate CUMIS project, county and hours of instruction for both interaction and program event records. If this data is not captured on the record, the entry will not populate into reports or dashboards.
  • Steps are being taken to correct the Eventbrite to Salesforce connection.
  • You may create a summary of your Interactions and Program Events by opening the Agent Activity Report under the Report tab by selecting Edit and then Save As (save as Your Name Activity Summary).
  • You may filter from All Interactions to My Interactions.
  • You may also filter Program Events.

Please contact Becca Hedden at rthomp7@clemson.edu if you would like any assistance with reports, and remember, the Salesforce Advisory Group hosts office hours on Mondays from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. via the Zoom link.

Recognitions

In fulfilling the land-grant mission, Cooperative Extension professionals have an evident foothold among accolades that emanate across the University. Mr. Michael McManus, Pee Dee District Extension Director, and Dr. Michael Neault, State Veterinarian and Director of LPH, graduated from the University’s premier President’s Leadership Institute (PLI). Drs Ashley Burns, 4-H Youth Development Program Team, was among the 88 individuals in this year’s national leadership development program class, LEAD21. Mr. Paul Thompson, Urban Horticulture Agent and Master Gardener volunteer coordinator for York, Chester and Lancaster Counties, was awarded the 2024 Rowland P. Alston Sr. Award for Excellence in Public Relations.

Extension Innovation Awards

I am pleased to share the second round of Extension Innovation Awards. We had a staggering total of 53 proposals that were awarded funding, and you can view the list in the Blog post. Be on the lookout soon for a compilation of presentations highlighting the outcomes from the first round of Extension Innovation Award proposals awarded last year. I am ecstatic over the level of participation and devotion the project leads, and their teams poured into their projects.

New Employees

  • Headshot of DeAnna Smith
    DeAnna Smith
  • Headshot of Martina Wicker
    Martina Wicker
  • Headshot of Stacy Kirby
    Stacy Kirby

I would like to introduce the newest members to our Extension family: Ms. Martina Wicker, 4-H Agent for Fairfield County; Ms. DeAnna Smith, 4-H Agent for Darlington County and Mr. Stacy Kirby, Food Systems and Safety Agent for Greenwood County. We are excited to have you join us in our mission to serve the citizens of South Carolina.

Job Openings

We continue to open doors and attract additional talent to complement our current efforts. There are multiple opportunities for those who have a passion for helping others and contributing to the betterment of South Carolina communities. The following positions with their job ID numbers are currently posted on the Clemson Careers website. 

  • Administrative Assistant, Georgetown County, 108945
  • Area Water Resources Agent, Bamberg County, 108889
  • Visitor Services Assistant Manager, SC Botanical Garden, 108894
  • Rural Health Agent, Barnwell County, 108481
  • Urban Horticulture Agent, York County, 108886
  • 4-H Agent, Williamsburg County, 108887
  • 4-H Agent, Kershaw and Lee Counties, 108931
  • Natural Resources Extension Associate and Master Naturalist Program Coordinator, 108823

CES Grants Newsletter

I recognize and value the importance of enhancing grantsmanship in Cooperative Extension. By now, you have seen the monthly Extension Grants Newsletter which includes upcoming grant opportunities, summaries, and grant writing resources that exist at Clemson University and beyond. If you are in need of assistance with a grant proposal or need help keeping an eye out for the right sponsorship to meet your project needs, please contact Ms. Katie Callahan at katieca@clemson.edu.

In Closing …

I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new CAFLS Dean, Dr. Matthew Holt, who will begin his new position on September 1. Dr. Holt is currently the head of Virginia Tech’s Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics. I am certain he will provide an impressive level of leadership for CAFLS. The position of the CAFLS Dean is of importance to the land-grant mission that Cooperative Extension fulfills for the University. There are endless opportunities on the horizon for creating impact across our state, and as your Cooperative Extension Director, I look forward to continuing our journey together. Every day your work makes a significant difference in the lives of our citizens and stakeholders, and I am truly honored to be a part of that.

A field of poppies.

I hope there was widespread remembrance over this past weekend in honor of our United States military service members who lost their lives in defense of our nation. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to those who have and currently serve, as this is no minor feat. Poppies are a recognized symbol for Memorial Day, and the Friday before Memorial Day is National Poppy Day. Consider planting poppies as a simple gesture of gratitude for those who wear our nation’s uniform.

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

Insight to consider as you go about your work and strive to meet challenges head-on … “The only bird that dares to peck an eagle is the crow. The crow sits on the eagle’s back and bites its neck. The eagle does not respond or fight with the crow; it does not spend time or energy on the crow. Instead, it opens its wings and rises higher in the heavens. The higher the flight, the harder it is for the crow to breathe, and eventually, the crow falls off due to a lack of oxygen. Learn from the eagle, and don’t fight the crows; keep ascending. They might be along for the ride, but they’ll soon fall off. Do not allow yourself to succumb to the distractions; keep your focus on the things above and continue rising!”

Upcoming Reminders

  • June 3: Registration deadline for the SC Annie’s Project Retreat + SC Annie’s Youth 4-H Youth Development Camp. Please contact Ms. Charley Maxwell for more information at chmaxwe@clemson.edu.
  • June 5: Coffee Chats Drop-In session with the Cooperative Extension Director, 8:00 a.m. The Zoom link will be sent out the day before.
  • June 30: 2024-2025 Extension Administration/Clemson Online contract submittal deadline. Contact Dr. Brian Callahan at bcallah@clemson.edu for more information.
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2024 Extension Innovation Awards Proposals

Posted on by dawnw

Congratulations to all of those whose proposals received awards for the second round of our Extension Innovation Awards.

  • Evaluation of Shelf Stability and Safety of Cocktail Mixers: Adair Hoover
  • Statewide Agronomic Crops Nematode Survey: Kyle Smith
  • Finding Effective Solutions for Joro Spider Management: David Coyle
  • Enhancing Agricultural Safety and Efficiency through Virtual Training and Technology Transfer: Hannah Mikell
  • Optimizing the Hydrologic Performance of Rainwater Harvesting Systems Using Innovative Technologies: Amy Scaroni
  • Using Silvopasture Systems to Diversify Income and Support Environmental Benefits in Operations: Liliane Silva
  • Portable Sawmill and Solar Kiln Production Effectiveness: Janet Steele
  • Develop Supportive Equine Coursework and Educational Resources for Equine Producers to Complement Existing Programming: Nicole Correa
  • Home Horticulture Foundations: Carmen Ketron
  • Creating Backyard Wildlife Habitat Online Short Course: Mallory Maher
  • Creation of Homeowner Pesticide Handling and Application Safety Training: Drew Jeffers
  • 4-H Pinckney Leadership Clubs: Rushawnda Olden
  • Cattle Marketing Workshop: Demonstration and Discussion with USDA and Order Buyer Input: Matt Fischer
  • Forged In 4-H: Mark Cathcart
  • Florence County 4-H Hearts & Hands Homeschool Program: Freddricka Pressley
  • Food Full Circle, A Cutting-Edge Clemson Extension Program: Miracle Rabon
  • Gardening and You: Felicia Cunningham
  • Sesame in South Carolina: David Dewitt
  • Growing Health: Melissa Bales
  • Getting to the Root of Urban Invasive Plants: Janet Steele
  • 4-H Jr. Leadership Hampton Program: Dawn Stuckey
  • Managing Soilless media in Raised Beds, An Online Resource for Homeowners and Community Gardeners: Rob Last
  • Know Your Numbers, Know Your Options: Charlotte Maxwell
  • Orangeburg County Fairgrounds Education and Demonstration Garden: Jonathan Croft
  • Outdoor and Field Demonstration Program Support Supplies: Jonathan Croft
  • Clemson University Agricultural Safety Program Expansion and Support: Shelley Loverne
  • Boosting the Bradford Pear Bounty program: David Coyle
  • STEAM Circus: Eric Elliasen
  • Expanding South Carolina Certified Landscape Professional (SCCLP) for Inmate Education: Drew Jeffers
  • Developing Agent Capacity to Respond to Community Activism Related to Pesticides and Integrated Pest Management: Zack Snipes
  • Portable Cleaning and Sanitizing Unit: Brian Bolt
  • Florence County 4-H Embryology to Educate Program: Freddricka L. Pressley
  • EGGcellent Adventures with 4-H Embryology: Elizabeth Snipes
  • Savannah Valley 4-H Virtual Youth Livestock Evaluation: Hillary Pope
  • Union County 4-H Shooting Sport Trailer: Jeff Fellers
  • A Tour of South Carolina Hardwood Forests and Mills: Janet Steele
  • Leadership Excellence, Skill Enhancement and Great Opportunities: Felicia Cunningham
  • 4-H Pinckney Leadership Roundup Statewide Events: Rushawnda Olden
  • Expansion of Livestock, 4-H and Sustainable Agricultural Programming: Jessica Simpson
  • Expanding Horizons: Enhancing the South Carolina Master Food Preserver Program: Faith Israel
  • 4-H Wood Duck Project: Steve Hucks
  • National 4-H Shooting Sports Championship: Rick Willey
  • Extension Outreach at Pickens Bend Range: Rick Willey
  • 4-H Shooting Sports Instructor Trainings: Rick Willey
  • Starter Kits for Participants in Savannah Valley Market Hog Project: Hillary Pope
  • Navigating Volatile Landscape of Glyphosate Herbicide Use: Adam Gore
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April 2024: Monthly Director’s Letter

Posted on by dawnw

Dear Extension Family,

This past Wednesday was Administrative Professionals’ Day, and it was fitting to hold the 43rd annual South Carolina Association of Extension Administration Professionals (SCAEAP) Conference this week. The 3-day conference included professional development training, team-building activities and a community service project at the Lowcountry Harvest Hope Food Bank location. I want to echo Dean Yarrow’s comments in his email from Wednesday wherein he expressed his appreciation for administrative professionals. Our Extension administrative team is extensive. They anchor the headquarters of our field operations office on campus and span the entire state to ensure our county offices are operational and welcoming. The impact they make through their interactions with the general public on an extensive level and their expertise in working alongside Agents and Specialists to support programmatic efforts is exemplary. Their skill sets are versatile, and they must be adept at pivoting to manage frequent multi-tasking. I want our administrative professionals to know I do not take them for granted, and neither must anyone else. Please make sure you take the time to acknowledge the importance of their work and deliberately thank them for their service to the Clemson Cooperative Extension mission.

  • A group of women standing together.
    SCAEAP attendees
  • Several women packing boxes with food.
    SCAEAP attendees at the food bank

The University would like to recognize an even larger group—all Clemson employees. The annual Employee Appreciation Luncheons will begin in mid-May, and the complimentary buffet-style lunch event will be held on campus and in various locations around the state. Please read the Clemson News story to identify the date of the closest Luncheon location to your office. In this case, there is such a thing as a free lunch.

Youth Focus

It was amazing to see the efforts of our youth-focused program teams celebrated by our legislative leadership at the State House last month. These events showcase the impact of Cooperative Extension programmatic efforts on a large scale, and the engagement with and visibility of our presence gets better every year. Between the FFA (Future Farmers of America) Legislative Appreciation Day and the South Carolina 4-H Legislative Day, over 1,000 youth, volunteers and staff gathered at our State House in Columbia. That is beyond noteworthy. These events are a vital opportunity for our youth to share their personal 4-H stories with legislators, discuss the benefits of local programming in their home communities and have the opportunity to watch the legislative process in person. Additionally, our legislators will understand their support for funding Extension is life changing. There are an overwhelming amount of issues to address and solve locally, nationally and globally. Providing our youth with these experiences will significantly impact not only their knowledge but it will fuel their realization of the ability to invoke change in the future.  

  • A group of people standing together.
    State FFA Officers
  • A large group of people sitting on steps in front of a building.
    FFA Legislative Appreciation Day
  • A large group of people sitting on steps in front of a building.
    4-H Day at the State House
  • A group of youth with their hands over their hearts.
    State 4-H Officers

State Extension Advancement Council

The State Extension Advocacy Council (SEAC) is a statewide organization whose membership provides support for the South Carolina Cooperative Extension Service at the state level, which includes Clemson Cooperative Extension and SC State University 1890 Research & Extension. SEAC members are selected by geographic regions in the state, have expertise or interest in Extension issues or subject matter and commit to two years of service. I am excited to share that SEAC has been newly organized in an effort to more closely align its function in supporting the Extension mission. The expertise and backgrounds of our new members represent various agribusiness sectors and focus areas relevant to Extension programming. At the SEAC orientation meeting last month, we delivered presentations about the status of our Extension programs, personnel, county advisory councils and budgets and also shared news about recognitions and recent events. SEAC will meet two to three times annually in different locations around the state, and I look forward to the progress ahead.

2024 South Carolina Ag + Art Tour

Ag and Art Tour logo.

You may not know our bragging rights about the South Carolina Ag + Art Tour being the largest free farm and art tour in the nation. This tour is coordinated by our very own Agribusiness Program Team under the direction of Dr. Will Culler, Senior Agribusiness Agent. Commissioner Hugh Weathers of the South Carolina Department of Agriculture referred to it as “a tribute to the beauties of agritourism.” The tour begins on May 4 and runs through June 30 across 20 of the state’s counties. The dates and participating sites and artisans are available on the agandarttour.com website. Please consider visiting a tour stop in your county or a nearby one to enjoy the festivities and support agritourism.

Salesforce

I am thankful for our Salesforce team members who continue to help us navigate the new technology. They are making great progress in working with the program teams and districts to address unique circumstances. There are now two dashboards available wherein you can view the outstanding work being done throughout Extension:

You can utilize the Salesforce chatter feed to ask questions or send an email to Ms. Becca Hedden at rthomp7@clemson.edu. Salesforce office hours will continue to be held every Monday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. through the Zoom link. 

Recognition

It makes me proud to hear about the various recognitions bestowed on members of our hard-working team, and I would like to share the achievements of the following individuals.

  • Ms. Janet Steele: Society of American Foresters, Presidential Field Forester Award 
  • Ms. Lori Thomas: 4-H Salute to Excellence Award, Southern Region Outstanding Lifetime Volunteer
  • Ms. Sherry Davis-Livingston: McDonald Elementary School Volunteer of the Year
  • Ms. Heather Nix: CAFLS College and PSA Award, Outstanding Junior Extension Agent 
  • Mr. Ben Boyles: CAFLS College and PSA Award, Outstanding Senior Extension Agent 
  • Dr. David Coyle: CAFLS College and PSA Award, Outstanding Junior Faculty in Extension
  • Dr. Sarah White: CAFLS College and PSA Award, Outstanding Senior Faculty in Extension
  • Dr. Bhupinder Farmaha: SSA Soil Fertility and Plant Nutrition Division New Division Chair-Elect 

Transitions and New Employees

We have several employees who have recently changed job roles within Cooperative Extension. Ms. DeAndra Cooper has transitioned from the 4-H Youth Development Program Team to the Rural Health and Nutrition Program Team to serve as the Rural Health and Nutrition Agent for Williamsburg and Florence Counties. Ms. Alana West of the 4-H Youth Development Program Team, formerly an Agent, has accepted the Assistant Director position for the team. Mr. Jonathan Tate, formerly the Assistant Grounds Supervisor, is now the Operations Manager at the T. Ed Garrison Arena and Expo Center. 

Please help me in welcoming the newest members of our Extension family: 

  • Ms. Shanna Baker, Administrative Assistant for the Chester County office
  • Ms. Samantha Brown, Horticulture Agent for Anderson County
  • Ms. Hannah Conover, Livestock and Forages Agent for Anderson, Pickens and Greenville Counties
  • Ms. Melanie Enniss, Administrative Assistant for the Lee County office
  • Ms. Lindsay Jameson, Administrative Assistant for the Barnwell County office
  • Ms. Lillian Ledford, 4-H Youth Development Agent for Oconee County
  • Ms. April Martin (not pictured), Administrative Assistant for the Marion County office
  • Ms. Anaston Porter, Water Resources Agent for Pickens County
  • Ms. Leona Ransdell, 4-H Youth Development Equine Program Coordinator
  • Hunter Taylor, Livestock and Forages Agent for Abbeville County.
  • Shanna Baker headshot.
    Shanna Baker
  • Samantha Brown portrait.
    Samantha Brown
  • Hannah Conover portrait
    Hannah Conover
  • DeAndra Cooper portrait.
    DeAndra Cooper
  • Melanie Enniss portrait.
    Melanie Enniss
  • Lindsay Jameson headshot.
    Lindsay Jameson
  • Lillian Ledford
  • Anaston Porter headshot.
    Anaston Porter
  • Leona Ransdell headshot.
    Leona Ransdell
  • Jonathan Tate portrait.
    Jonathan Tate
  • Hunter Taylor headshot.
    Hunter Taylor
  • Alana West portrait
    Alana West

In Closing …

Our next ‘Drop-in with the Director’ Zoom session will be held on Wednesday, May 1, at 8:00 a.m. A reminder email with the Zoom link will be sent out the day before. We have had some great discussions in our past sessions, and it has allowed me to acquire valuable feedback. Please don’t hesitate to join in, even if just to listen. 

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

  • May 2: Clemson Extension T.E.A.C.H. Center Drop-In, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Everyone is invited to visit our new space located at the Citadel Mall in Charleston, which includes a classroom and conference room, informal workroom space and flex offices for visiting staff. RSVPs are not required but are appreciated—email Ms. Amy Dabbs at adabbs@clemson.edu.
  • May 15-17: SCACAA & SCAE4-HA Joint Annual Meeting and Professional Improvement Conference. Holiday Inn, 2225 Boundary Street, Beaufort. 
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February 2024: Monthly Director’s Letter

Posted on by dawnw

Dear Extension Family,

I am well aware of and humbled by the devotion so many have for their Extension responsibilities because of the amount of time put in and when it is put in–often outside of the regular Monday through Friday work week for many. I am touched when those of you who are able can adjust your schedules to not only give more but also give back. Dr. Martin Hamilton, South Carolina Botanical Gardens (SCBG) Director, sent a message of thanks and provided pictures from the December 12 “Extension Day of Service” at the SCBG, during which 25 of you worked with a dozen SCBG staff members to remove invasive plants, mulch and make winter bed preparations. He and the SCBG team are extremely grateful for all the hard work and collaboration, and I am, too.

  • A man and woman raking mulch.
    SCBG Day of Service
  • A group of people working in gardens.
    SCBG Day of Service

We have a new opportunity for those who would like to volunteer to give back, this time for the 4-H Youth Development Natural Resources Program’s Forest Fest, which will be held on April 6 in Clemson at the North Forest (Issaqueena). This event engages Clemson University students, 4-H youth and community partners in collaborative, hands-on, experiential learning activities. Please contact Ms. Patricia Whitener at pwhiten@clemson.edu for more details.

There is no doubt I am excited about the pace we are setting for 2024. We haven’t even closed out the second month of 2024, yet we have organized various large-scale events for a wide range of stakeholders. I would like to recognize Ms. Charley Maxwell of the Agribusiness Program Team and the committee members of the South Carolina Women’s Agricultural Network (SC WAgN) for their work to make the 2nd Annual SC Women in Agriculture Conference an ongoing success. One attendee shared a memorable statement in their evaluation, “This conference refocused me. More importantly, I’d given up on my homestead plan. I feel re-energized. Farming is pretty isolating. This was a big boost for me.” Congratulations to Ms. Lindsey Craig of the Livestock and Forages Program Team for her management of the 48th Annual Bull Test Sale earlier this month. Ms. Craig was named the director of the Bull Test Program last year, and her dedication to the program ensured that the event would continue to be highly regarded. The top-selling bull went for $12,000. This past Saturday, Ms. Rushawnda Olden, Program Director of the South Carolina 4-H Pinckney Leadership Program, organized the largest Leadership Roundup event yet, with 260 youth and adult leaders representing 20 of the 46 counties of South Carolina. The Agronomic and Horticulture Program Teams have also stayed busy with Grower Meetings for cotton, peanut and vegetables and have half a dozen Field Days planned later in the year.

Salesforce Update

Beginning next week, the virtual Change Ambassador meetings will be held every other week via the Zoom link. Ms. Amber Starnes will lead the group through the Eventbrite setup process during the next meeting on February 27, and the March 12 meeting will focus on Dashboards. Please contact Ms. Becca Hedden at rthomp7@clemson.edu with training topic requests or other questions. Salesforce virtual office hours are held on Mondays from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. via the Zoom link. Please note there are two separate Zoom links for the Change Ambassador meetings and the office hours.

Other updates include:

  • The Agent Activity Dashboard can be accessed under “All Dashboards.” This will provide a snapshot of an Agent’s activity in Salesforce. 
  • Schools and school districts have been entered into Salesforce courtesy of Trailblazer Ms. Tammy Morton. Please search for an institution before creating a new account. 
  • We now have more than 26,000 contacts in Salesforce. The team runs duplicate reports weekly, but please remember to search for contacts before adding them.

County Agent Promotion Work Session (In-Person)

A County Agent Promotion Work Session will be held on Tuesday, March 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Lexington County Extension Office (605 West Main Street, Suite F). This work session is intended for eligible agents who have started working on their promotion packets, have reviewed the instructions and PowerPoint presentation, and would like additional assistance. Samples and strategies for successful packets will be shared. If you plan to attend, please contact Mrs. Alivia Gunter at aliviag@clemson.edu by March 6 to pre-register.

Transfers, New Employees and Job Postings

Headshot of Drew Jeffers.
Drew Jeffers
Headshot of Terasa Lott
Terasa Lott

We are pleased that Ms. Terasa Lott will join the Extension Leadership Team as the Midlands District Director. She will lead county staff in the newly established district, which includes Calhoun, Clarendon, Kershaw, Lancaster, Lee, Lexington, Orangeburg, Richland and Sumter Counties. All county transitions will be effective April 15. Passionate about natural resources stewardship, Ms. Lott has been responsible for water resources programming in Florence and Darlington Counties since April 2010 and was named State Coordinator of the South Carolina Master Gardener Program in January 2018. During her career, environmentally friendly landscaping has been a major program focus. Her outreach efforts via television (Making It Grow) have made her a recognizable and trusted source of both horticulture and water resources information across the state. Mr. Drew Jeffers has accepted the role of Horticulture Agent for Greenville County and will serve as the County Coordinator. Previously, Mr. Jeffers was serving Spartanburg County since he joined Cooperative Extension in 2016 as part of the Horticulture Program Team. He is also the Program Coordinator for the South Carolina Certified Landscape Professional Program and a well-known contributor to HGIC and Land-Grant Press. His expertise in integrated pest management (IPM) and ornamentals greatly benefits various stakeholders.

Please help me in welcoming the newest members of our Extension family: Ms. Roxane Cummings, Rural Health and Nutrition Agent for Orangeburg and Bamberg Counties; Mr. Dylan Mott, Rural Health and Nutrition Agent for Greenville County; Ms. Anna Sara Hill, Commercial Horticulture Agent for Barnwell County; and Ms. Tara Turner, 4-H Pinckney Leadership Program Coordinator. 

  • Headshot of Roxanned Cummings.
    Roxanne Cummings
  • Headshot of Dylan Mott.
    Dylan Mott
  • Headshot of Anna Sara Hill.
    Anna Sara Hill
  • Headshot of Tara Turner.
    Tara Turner

Additionally, we have one job posting to share at this time, the Spartanburg Urban Horticulture and Master Gardener Coordinator (Job ID: 108606). View the entire position description on the Clemson Careers website.

In Closing …

I highly encourage nominations for the Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year Award. This award is open to any farmer or member of a farming family actively involved in the agriculture industry and at least 21 years of age. Please consider nominating a deserving stakeholder or supporter of Clemson Cooperative Extension and contact Dr. Brian Callahan at bcallah@clemson.edu for nomination forms or questions.

Our next ‘Drop-in with the Director’ Zoom session will be held on Wednesday, March 6 at 8:00 a.m. A reminder email with the Zoom link will be sent out the day before. Everyone is invited to join and bring questions and feedback to our forum or just listen in.

I hope I always take the time to express the extreme gratitude I have for the contributions everyone makes in their Extension roles. I believe that we all perceive a personal benefit in making a profound difference for others through our work. We may value different benefits and have different perceptions of how we prioritize those benefits. I wanted to share the following quote from a recent news story that reminded me about the benefit of stability. “One of the biggest benefits, especially in this difficult market, is the job security. People in private sector jobs are three times more likely to lose their jobs than people in federal government jobs.” There are positive returns for investing your expertise and time to carry out our mission. Still, I want to emphasize that I will prioritize continuing to examine ways we can bolster retainment and express recognition for the value of your commitments.

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

Free registration is available for up to ten Cooperative Extension employees per workshop for the South Carolina New and Beginning Farmer Program. Use code “extension” during online registration. Please only sign up if you are certain you can attend. Visit the workshop website for additional information. The workshops are designated with an * below.

  • *February 29, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Leaping into Creative Conservation: Issues and Techniques for Farmers, Aiken County Agricultural Services, 1555 Richland Ave East, Aiken.
  • March 6, Drop-In with the Director Zoom, 8:00 a.m. Access through the Zoom link.
  • *March 6, 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m., On-Farm Water Management Clemson University Edisto Research and Education Center, 64 Research Road, Blackville.
  • March 12, County Agent Promotion Work Session, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Lexington County Extension Office (605 West Main Street, Suite F). Please contact Mrs. Alivia Gunter at aliviag@clemson.edu by March 6 to pre-register.
  • *March 14, 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Getting Out of Nature’s Way: Soil Health in Practice for Grazing and Vegetables Augusta Road Ruritan Club, 7788 Augusta Road, Piedmont.
  • *March 20, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Advanced Soil Health: Alternative Crop Nutrition Sources and Bio-Stimulants Clemson University Coastal Research & Education Center, 2700 Savannah Hwy, Charleston.
  • *March 28, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Best Agricultural Management Practices for Forage-Livestock Systems Clemson University Edisto Research and Education Center, 64 Research Road, Blackville.
  • *April 1, online via ZOOM, 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Website Development and Analytics.
  • *April 11, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Good Agriculture Practices and FSMA Produce Safety Rule Location TBD, Charleston County.
  • *April 22, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., Labor Issues and Personnel Management for the Small & Beginning Farm SC Farm Bureau Federation, Main Conference Room, 724 Knox Abbott Drive, Cayce.
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2024 County Office Holiday Information

Posted on by dawnw

Optional Holiday Request/Approval Process

The 2024 County Holiday Schedule includes an optional holiday, which is not included in the 2024 University Holiday Schedule this year. As such, the request and approval process for Extension County employee optional holiday use in 2024 will differ from previous years.

  1. To request an optional holiday, employees must follow the following steps: An employee wishing to use their optional holiday should email their supervisor or timekeeper with their written request. This request should include the date and total number of hours (not to exceed the employee’s daily standard hours).
  2. Once approved, supervisors or timekeepers must enter the requested date and time as “holiday” using the pay code column in Kronos. When entering the requested date and time, individuals should enter the total number of hours (not to exceed the employee’s daily standard hours).

Please direct any questions regarding timecard entries to PEAK Services at kronos@clemson.edu.

2024 County Office Holiday Schedule

New Year’s Day: Monday, January 1
Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, January 15
Memorial Day: Monday, May 27
Independence Day: Thursday, July 4
Labor Day: Monday, September 2
Thanksgiving Break: Thursday, November 28 – Friday, November 29
Winter Break: Monday, December 23 – Friday, December 27
Optional Holiday: Determined by Employee (1 day)
Total: 13 Days

University Holiday Schedule

New Year’s Day: Monday, January 1
Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Monday, January 15
Memorial Day: Monday, May 27
Independence Day: Thursday, July 4
Labor Day: Monday, September 2
Election Day: Tuesday, November 5
Thanksgiving Break: Thursday, November 28 – Friday, November 29
Winter Break: Monday, December 23 – Friday, December 27
Total: 13 Days

Note: County Offices and Clemson Main Campus have different holiday schedules for 2024.

Posted in UncategorizedTagged , Leave a Comment on 2024 County Office Holiday Information

January 2024: Monthly Director’s Letter

Posted on by dawnw

Dear Extension Family,

As I reflect on last year, I realize how evident it is that our talented team of Agents, Associates, Specialists, and staff deliver significant levels of service to improve South Carolina’s economy and environment and the well-being of its citizens. The creativity and enthusiasm put into preparing and presenting programs are simply amazing. We should celebrate every day, knowing we impart our knowledge and create impact.

As we settle into the new year, let’s remember our ‘Why’ for Cooperative Extension. We should routinely ponder how to enhance our programmatic activities and evolve in response to our stakeholders’ fluid and diverse needs. Properly evaluating outcomes and implementing new approaches as necessary ensures we are on track for another outstanding year of achievements.

Extension Senate

I recently had the opportunity to meet with Extension Senate, and we delved into questions such as how do we better prepare and support Extension Agents to develop and deliver educational programs? Extension Senate exudes energy and focuses on developing a vision and strategies for your professional growth and success. I encourage everyone to take the time to understand the purpose of Extension Senate and the effects of their work. They help to assure you have a voice and a bright future in Cooperative Extension.

Members of Extension Senate with President Clements

Ms. Deon Legette contributed an informational summary of Extension Senate’s recent activities:
Extension Senate also had a great meeting with President Clements, Dr. George Askew, Interim Dean Greg Yarrow, and Mr. Julio Hernandez on January 16. We had about twenty-four Senators and Alternates at the meetings. This meeting is always an exciting time for Extension Senate, and we appreciate the opportunity to meet with President Clements and his staff in Sikes Hall. There are many things that this new incoming Extension Senate body will take from this meeting, and we will continue to work with President Clements’ staff over the next year to accomplish some of these goals. Land-grant universities are special, and it is great to have a President who supports Clemson Cooperative Extension and recognizes our efforts across the state. In addition, it was great to see our fellow Agents and Specialists from the Agriculture and Natural Recourses Division (Agribusiness, Agronomy, Natural Resources, and Horticulture Program Teams), who were in Clemson for their Division retreat. Extension Senate will schedule an Onboarding Session for the forty-two incoming and returning Senators and Alternates to provide them with a brief history of Extension Senate and our accomplishments over the years and to work on creating goals for 2024. If you need to contact your Extension Senate Representative, please check our website to identify your Senator/Alternate. The next Extension Senate Business Meeting will be held on February 27.

FY 2024-25 Budget

Clemson Public Service and Agriculture (PSA) requests state investments that support Cooperative Extension. The FY 2024-25 budget request has been finalized. Recurring requests include funding for poultry science research, statewide operational and programmatic support, problematic wildlife management, and small fruit research. Non-recurring requests include funding for a multi-year preventative maintenance schedule for statewide facilities to address aging infrastructure, technology, and workplace safety and the construction of a research support facility for the Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science located in Georgetown. I will share any budget updates as they are announced. Additionally, you can follow updates on the Clemson Legislative Updates website, and sign up to receive email updates from the Clemson University Advocates Program by selecting the ‘Join Now’ link on the Advocates website.

Salesforce Update

In step with the new year, we are beginning a new age in reporting and customer service with Salesforce, a new customer relationship management system. We have a great team in place (Ms. Becca Hedden, Ms. Cindy Todd, Mr. Bryan Smith, Ms. Amber Starnes, Ms. Vickey Bertagnolli, and Ms. Tammy Morton) to help provide additional training and resources in addition to what is featured on the Salesforce Training website and aid in your use and adoption of this powerful tool. You can also get assistance from CCIT through their support website if you have general login or navigation issues. Below are several updates resulting from feedback provided during the recent Agriculture and Natural Resources Division retreat.

  • As of January 1, 2024, programmatic data should be reported into Salesforce. All programmatic data conducted from July 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023, should be entered into CUMIS by Wednesday, January 31, 2024. CUMIS will be permanently closed for data entry on Thursday, February 1, 2024.
  • What are we looking to capture with Salesforce? Extension impact. On behalf of Extension, you interact with clientele daily, and Salesforce allows us to capture the individual touches more accurately. The Eventbrite plug-in provides the ability to better manage workshops and participants by pulling data in automatically, based upon proper initial set-up.
  • Before creating a new contact, please complete a search to identify if they are already in the system. The team has been working behind the scenes to eliminate duplicates. To assist with duplicates, a Preferred Name/Nickname category has been added on the contact tab for those contacts who choose a different name than their legal name.
  • Please contact Ms. Becca Hedden at rthomp7@clemson.edu if you have any questions about importing or would like assistance importing your contact list.

Extension County Employees Holiday Schedule

An email about the Holiday Schedule for Extension County employees was sent out earlier this month. Please note that the Extension County employee and University Holiday Schedules are different for 2024. Extension County employees will follow the County Holiday Schedule in 2024 due to local requirements from county governments.

Additionally, the Holiday Schedule for Extension County employees includes an optional holiday, which is not included in the 2024 University Holiday Schedule. As such, the request and approval process for optional holiday use in 2024 for Extension County employees will differ from previous years. Extension County employees should review and understand the optional holiday request and approval process provided in the Blog post, along with the Holiday Schedules.

Recognition

  • Two men standing together.
    Charles Davis with Representative Russell Ott.
  • Two men and a woman standing together.
    Jay Crouch, Charles Davis, Hannah Mikell

I would like to recognize the dedication and expertise of Charles Davis. After 45 years of service to Clemson Cooperative Extension, Mr. Davis retired in December. He was humble, trusted, dedicated, and passionate about his Extension work. He earned the respect of our farmers and his team members. He was an unselfish professional who never watched the clock or his title. He embodied the ideal County Agent and is a role model for us to look up to. I, along with many others, have great memories of his work and character, and there are no words to accurately describe how much he will be missed. Even in retirement, I have no doubt he won’t slow down and will channel his boundless energy into a new lifestyle.

  • A man kneeling on the ground.
    Charles Davis
  • A man talking to a reporter with a camera.
    Charles Davis

In Closing

We will provide updates about the CAFLS Dean search as they become available. The search committee members were announced and are listed on the Office of the Provost website. Our next ‘Drop-in with the Director’ Zoom session will be held on Wednesday, February 7 at 8:00 a.m. Please be aware we have updated the time. Previously these began at 7:30 a.m. An email with the Zoom link will be sent out the day before. Everyone is invited to join and bring questions and feedback to our forum or just listen in.

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

  • January 31: CAFLS/PSA award nominations are due for deserving CAFLS faculty, staff or graduate/undergraduate students who make the College such a success. Visit the website for more information. 
  • February 1:, Rowland P. Alston, Sr., ’42 Award for Excellence in Public Relations nominations are due. The award was established 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. Visit the website for more information.
  • February 7: Drop-in with the Director Zoom session, 7:30 a.m. via the Zoom link. 
Posted in From the Director, UncategorizedTagged Leave a Comment on January 2024: Monthly Director’s Letter