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
T.E.A.C.H. Conference Room
T.E.A.C.H. Entrance
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.
EFNEP Team Members
Kimberly Baker
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.
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
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
DeAnna Smith
Martina Wicker
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
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.
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.
