Extension Today

The late 1890 administrator Dr. Virginia Caples was born and raised in Doddsville, Mississippi. The only daughter of Ruth and Wiley Caples, she left home to earn undergrad and graduate degrees in home economics from Alcorn State University and Iowa State University, respectively.

Her career as an educator began as an assistant county supervisor for the United States Department of Agriculture. In this position, Caples taught food and nutrition classes to Polish American families in Riverhead Long Island, New York. After finishing her graduate degrees, she returned to her alma mater at Alcorn State as an associate professor and chair of the Department of Home Economics. Then, in 1977, she joined the faculty and staff of Alabama A&M University (AAMU), where she devoted the next 38 years of her life.

Caples was a key representative for Alabama’s lengthy (1981-2006) higher education desegregation lawsuit more commonly known as Knight v. Alabama. She collected and analyzed data for the court and later served on the team to unify the 1890 (AAMU) and the 1862 (Auburn University) Cooperative Extension programs into the Alabama Cooperative Extension System — the first of its kind in the nation.

During her tenure at AAMU, she served in various leadership roles from professor to interim president. Yet, she left her mark on AAMU when her dream came true to establish a lifelong learning institute for older adults, now recognized as the Virginia Caples Lifelong Learning Institute.

In 2017, Caples was inducted into the Alcorn Hall of Fame (School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences) in honor of her lifetime achievements.

T’arie Todman leads with exceptional compassion and imparts her wealth of experience and in-depth knowledge to individuals who need it the most. After completing her doctorate in pharmacy from Hampton University in 2004, she served as a military officer pharmacist in the United States Army. Later, she worked as a community pharmacist, serving her community with love and dedication.

However, her passion for community outreach eventually led her to expand her idea of service, and in 2015, a significant career change ensued. Todman joined the Winston County Self Help Cooperative (WCSHC) as a farmer and community outreach specialist, where she works tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of America’s most vulnerable population. At the WCSHC, Todman is committed to the cooperative’s mission to “Help Save Rural America.”

Todman returned to school to meet a real community need and earned a master’s in nutrition education. She has helped the cooperative increase the number of farmers, landowners and cattlemen they serve through her work. She focuses on educating individuals about programs and services that can assist the community with its longevity. These services include technical assistance, education on health and nutrition, credit repair, home purchasing, housing repair, succession planning and more.

Renita Porter, a native of Xenia, Ohio, brings experience and passion to her role as the family and consumer sciences (FCS) program leader at Central State University (CSU) Extension.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to serve communities in Ohio to promote health, wellness and financial literacy,” says Porter. A proud graduate of Central State University, Porter earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1994. She furthered her education at Keller Graduate School, obtaining a master’s in business administration and a master’s in public administration. In December 2023, Porter was appointed the FCS program leader, bringing her extensive knowledge and leadership skills to the position.

Porter's favorite quote, "Live every moment, laugh every day, love beyond words," reflects her positive outlook on life and inspires her work. She is dedicated to her professional endeavors and deeply invested in her family. Porter’s son, Cedric, attends Central State University, and her daughter, Kennedy, is 17.

In her role as FCS program leader, Porter oversees a range of programs designed to empower individuals and families in the community. She has created an annual diabetes conference called Keeping It Real to discuss how diabetes can affect more than just what someone eats. Additionally, Porter is excited to launch the For Youth Only – Health, Wealth & Self program in Dayton in 2024 to provide essential life skills and education to youths in the community. With over a decade of experience in education, including teaching and administrative roles, Porter is well-equipped to drive meaningful change and innovation in her position.

TaMaira Banks is a familiar face on the Delaware State University campus. A Dover, Delaware, native and 1996 Dover High School graduate, Banks recalls her introduction to Cooperative Extension.

“When I was a student there (DSU), I was a double major - biology/pre-med and psychology with a minor in education. I had classes in the Ag Department, where Extension was housed initially,” said Banks. DSU Cooperative Extension has been housed in the Ulysses S. Washington Jr. Cooperative Extension Center since 1999.

Now a human resource specialist for DART, Delaware Transit Corporation’s public transportation service, Banks admits she did not become fully aware of Cooperative Extension’s connectional purpose and educational mission until 2005. That was the year her mother, Beverly C. Banks, was hired as a 4-H and youth development agent for DSU.

In our pursuit of innovative community engagement, we acknowledge that traditional methods may fall short in addressing local issues in Apalachicola, Florida. The Florida A&M University (FAMU) Cooperative Extension Program and the School of Architecture partnered with the Hillside Coalition of Laborers (H’COLA) and Firelight Media to create a pop-up Black history museum during the 2020 Black History Festival, leading to the establishment of the North Florida African American Corridor Non-Profit Project (NFAACP). Through these efforts, Apalachicola secured a grant from the Department of State to construct an African American museum.

This historic town, known for its seafood abundance and "Old Florida" heritage tourism, faces a lesser-known challenge — the departure of its youths in search of job opportunities. Confronting this societal issue, FAMU program leaders utilized the CIVIC process, applying transdisciplinary approaches to address associated family and community concerns. The focus shifted from working on communities and families to working with them, marking a crucial shift toward sustainable community growth and family sustainability.

Apalachicola's multifaceted identity, including its celebrated seafood industry and the struggle with youth migration, underscores the challenges faced by small towns. Through the CIVIC process, community leaders aimed to collaboratively address these issues, recognizing the pivotal role of community and family engagement in fostering lasting solutions. This approach reflects a commitment to inclusivity and understanding the interconnectedness between community well-being and individual prosperity, striving for a holistic and enduring impact.

Integral to Apalachicola's cultural tapestry since the 19th century, its Black history is significant. The African American community has played vital roles in shaping the city's identity, notably contributing to the renowned seafood industry.

Dr. Carol Ann Johnson, associate dean for Extension/Extension administrator, retired from Fort Valley State University in 2009. Unbeknownst to many of her colleagues, Johnson was groomed for this role since childhood. It all started in the low country of St. George, South Carolina, with lessons from her mother that included cooking, canning, sewing, cleaning and decorating.

“I realized how much my mother had taught me. I enjoyed doing the things that came easy. So, I knew by the time I finished high school, I wanted to become a home economist, or a family and consumer scientist,” Johnson said.

“When I got to Fort Valley State, I knew it was the perfect fit for me” she said.

At FVSU, Johnson maximized her work and educational experiences. These experiences helped her design programs and curricula in teenage pregnancy prevention, college readiness and career preparedness, food safety and nutrition, and other facets of family and consumer sciences and agriculture. One of her signature programs was TEAM Success. TEAM is an acronym for Teaching, Enlightening, Achieving and Mentoring. For six to eight weeks, high school students shadowed Extension personnel, county agents and program assistants working for FVSU’s Cooperative Extension Program.

“I think TEAM Success made a big impact on the students and on the family. When we show interest in children, parents show interest in us,” she said. “By bringing children into our family circle, treating them like family and showing parents that we want the best for them, we gained their support,” she said. Components of this program remain active in 2024.

Check out additional feature stories on retired women leaders from FVSU’s College of Agriculture, Family Sciences and Technology or Cooperative Extension.

In the heart of Oklahoma, amidst the diversity of communities, the vast plains and fertile lands, Arnetta Cotton is a shining example of service to community, faith and agricultural stewardship. Her journey is dedicated to the kingdom of God and the cultivation of spiritual and literal harvest. For more than four decades, Cotton has been a cornerstone of Unity Temple Family Church in Inola, Oklahoma, in the northeast of the state, 30 miles east of Tulsa. Alongside her husband, Pastor Earrak Cotton, she serves as an administrator, guiding the spiritual growth of their congregation. Their commitment to community and church spans over 44 years, reflecting a deep-seated love for people and their faith.

Cotton's influence extends far beyond the walls of their congregation. As the owner of Cotton Work LLC, she harnesses her entrepreneurial spirit to bring literary projects to life. With a portfolio boasting more than 30 published books, she spreads messages of faith, hope and inspiration to readers everywhere. Yet, it is in the community where her true passion lies. With 40 years of agricultural experience, Cotton manages nearly 200 acres of land. Her agricultural operations, including cow/calf management, hay production and wheat cultivation, are a testament to her commitment to sustainable farming practices and land stewardship.

Cotton's dedication to agriculture goes beyond animal and crop production, deeply rooted in her support for food security programs, self-reliance development and people empowerment. As the program facilitator for Kingdom Community Development Services (KCDS), a Native American, faith-based nonprofit organization, she empowers individuals through practical training and life skills education.

In honor of Women's Month, Lincoln University Cooperative Extension (LUCE) celebrates the life of Lillian Catherine Glass Hunter, a trailblazer in Lincoln University Cooperative Extension services. Hunter's impactful work in Extension was marked by her dedication to enhancing agricultural education and outreach initiatives within her community. Born in 1933, Hunter overcame obstacles to excel academically and pursued a career dedicated to community service.

As a member of LUCE, Hunter played a pivotal role in developing innovative Extension programs aimed at addressing agricultural challenges and promoting entrepreneurship among youths. Her efforts included advocating for increased wages for Head Start employees, addressing migrant health issues and facilitating the distribution of fresh produce.

Outside of her Extension work, Hunter also engaged in various other endeavors, including her involvement in politics and her role as a teacher in the Archdiocese of Chicago Schools. Despite facing challenges, including her husband's health issues, Hunter remained resilient and committed to caring for her family and managing the family farm.

Hunter's legacy lives on through her daughter, Adrienne Hunter-Green, who continues her work at LUCE. Hunter's lifelong dedication to education, agriculture and community service serves as an inspiration, showcasing the lasting impact one individual can have on their community and beyond.

Shannon Wiley, Ph.D., has been chosen by Cooperative Extension at North Carolina A&T to lead the new Extension Region for Urban and Underrepresented/Nontraditional Audiences. The new region seeks to apply Extension expertise and experience in community outreach to urban communities and nontraditional audiences across North Carolina.

While the organization’s east and west regions focus on geographic areas, the new region extends across the state to reach urban and nontraditional communities, such as Indigenous Americans and Latinos.

“You have lots more people who are tapping into farming, who are not necessarily migrating back to rural areas,” said Wiley. “We’re now beginning to move in a direction where we have to make sure we are providing resources for our audiences that are not necessarily in traditional agriculture communities.”

Wiley is an assistant professor in N.C. A&T’s College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences and previously worked as an Extension 4-H specialist. She holds a Ph.D. in agricultural and Extension education from Virginia Tech University, a master’s in agricultural education from N.C. A&T and a bachelor’s in laboratory animal science from N.C. A&T.

The urban initiative will tap into a growing interest in urban agriculture and locally sourced food and will leverage the work of the university’s new Urban and Community Food Complex.

Ivy Lawrence-Walls is a pioneering agriculturalist deeply ingrained in community and culture, making significant strides in the farming sphere with an unwavering dedication to nurturing food-secure ecosystems. As a key figure in Houston, she spearheaded the establishment of a community farm in Sunnyside, one of the city's oldest predominantly Black neighborhoods.

Leveraging her rich third-generation farming legacy and entrepreneurial spirit, Lawrence-Walls stands at the forefront of advocating for food accessibility and equity. Her impactful portfolio comprises Ivy Leaf Farms, Fresh Houwse Grocery, Kuji Kitchen restaurant and Black Farmer Box, a weekly subscription service that supplies fresh fruits and vegetables. At Fresh Houwse Grocery, it’s all about supporting local farmers and promoting sustainability. She sources the produce directly from the hands that tend to the soil, ensuring you get the freshest, most flavorful ingredients for your table.

Lawrence-Walls' commitment to quality is what sets her successful agriculture business apart. Her revolutionary efforts have placed her at the center of a movement to transform the agricultural landscape, especially in Black communities.

The professional journey of Sharon Wade-Byrd spans over four decades with South Carolina State University 1890 Research and Extension. Her time at SC State 1890 began with humble beginnings, conducting research in the social sciences and developing reports and other scholarly papers. According to Wade-Byrd, it was in research that she found her true calling. Utilizing her experiences from graduate school, she embraced community-based research with enthusiasm, seeing its potential to bring positive change.

As she progressed within the organization, her roles evolved. She advanced from project developer to program developer and eventually became a project coordinator. Her career peaked when she was appointed director of the Office of Accountability and Plan of Work in 2003, a position she continues to hold. In this role, Wade-Byrd provides evidence of the quality and effectiveness of SC State 1890’s value through the collection of data, impact and outcomes.

Wade-Byrd is particularly passionate about leading the evaluation and accountability efforts of the organization because she recognizes the connection between program effectiveness and funding. For her, an approved report is not just professional validation but also demonstrates the organization’s commitment to achieving its mission and remains an invaluable resource that helps improve the quality of life for South Carolinians.

Having spent 43 years at SC State, Wade-Byrd has witnessed the program and institution's growth in funding, diversity and increased recognition among its partners, peer institutions and the public. Yet, for Wade-Byrd, what is most satisfying is having the opportunity to mentor and advise staff, particularly women.

When reflecting on the quality of an empowered woman, Wade-Byrd underscores dedication, determination, humility and courage.

Milagro Berhane has been employed by the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center for 32 years. The senior research associate and adjunct professor in the College of Agricultural, Human and Environmental Sciences wears many hats and says that her career in agriculture began by accident. In her own words, she explains her love for her work and the field of agriculture.

Why did you select a career in agriculture?
I was hired to be a lab manager for Southern University’s College of Agriculture and my supervisor was working in sustainable ag. I started helping and that made me switch completely to agriculture. That happened more than 30 years ago, and I still love it. I still do some lab work related to sustainable ag.

What advice do you have for women who want to have a career in agriculture?
It is a good field. When I started working at Southern, there were not too many women. It was a male-dominated program, and throughout these years, I have seen a big evaluation of more women getting involved in agriculture. So, go for it! Whatever advice I can give to other females is to don’t try to depend on somebody else. We have to learn what we are doing - anything related to equipment, working in the field, teaching or something. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing those vegetables coming up in the field.

Jennifer W. Goodrich serves as the Tennessee State University (TSU) agricultural Extension agent II and county director in Morgan County. She has been with TSU since 2015.

Goodrich has three primary goals in this position:

• Support and encourage the Morgan County Extension Team.
• Bring unbiased, research-based information and support to Morgan County’s agricultural producers, businesses and educators.
• Facilitate networking and interaction among the multiple agencies, individuals and programs in Morgan County that encourage and support youths, families, producers and businesses that make Morgan County a great place to live and raise a family.

One of the things that Goodrich is most proud of is having the opportunity to work with some outstanding people and teams in Extension. She shares that the team we have built in Morgan County is exceptional. One of the neat things about this team is that it expands out of the office and includes great connections with members from the community, as well as partners at the schools, county government, Future Farmers of America, Farm Bureau, the Cattlemen’s Association, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the American Legion and more.

A few of the featured programs that Goodrich facilitates and teaches include:

• The East Tennessee New Farmer Academy - a series of classes for beginning farmers that introduces them to the skills and connections that help them be successful in agriculture.
• Various forage and cattle programs in partnership with the Morgan County Cattlemen’s Association.
• Various horse programs.
• Veteran outreach.

Tuskegee University Cooperative Extension Program wants to honor Dr. Evelyn Ford Crayton for her years of service to the World of Nutrition for Women’s History Month.

Crayton, RDN, LDN, FAND, served as president 2015-16 of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She is also the director and nutrition consultant at Living Well Associates and professor emeritus at Auburn University, where she worked for more than 35 years. Previously, Crayton was a home economist/foods and nutrition specialist in the Cooperative Extension Program at Tuskegee (Institute) University and a therapeutic dietitian at hospitals in St. Louis, Missouri. She continues to contribute to TUCEP programming in family and consumer sciences to this day.

Crayton was a House of Delegates director on the Academy's Board for two years, served on the House Leadership Team for two years and was an at-large member of the board for three years. She also served as a member of the Academy Foundation's Board of Directors in 2013. Crayton served as chair of the Nutrition Education for the Public Dietetic Practice Group and its Membership Committee and is a past president of the Alabama Dietetics Association, holding offices at all levels of the Tuskegee District Dietetics Association.

Furthermore, she is a member of the Hunger and Environmental Nutrition DPG and the National Organization of Blacks in Dietetics Member Interest Group. In 2021, Governor Kay Ivey appointed Crayton to the Alabama Board of Examiners for Nutrition and Dietetics. She is the incoming chair of the board beginning June 2024.

As associate dean for global engagement for the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s (UAPB) Office of International Programs and Studies (OIPS), Dr. Pamela Moore’s mission includes guaranteeing that UAPB students have transformational experiences abroad.

Many of her office’s initiatives are related to agriculture. For example, funding through the 1890 Center of Excellence in International Engagement and Development recently enabled OIPS to conduct three signature faculty-led study abroad programs in the countries of Ghana and Kenya for students pursuing degrees in agriculture, aquaculture and fisheries and human sciences at 1890 land-grant institutions.

After graduating from Spelman College with a degree in political science, Moore spent a year abroad in Europe and Africa studying the regulation of chemical pesticides. In the 1980s, she worked toward earning a master’s degree in public policy and a juris doctorate from Harvard University.

“I think my experiences abroad really took me out of the traditional career projectory with its focus on wealth and status,” Moore said. “After completion of my degrees, I made the radical decision to return to the south to teach at Jackson State University, an HBCU in Jackson, Mississippi. I never regretted this decision.”

She credits her time at Jackson State University with laying the groundwork for the rest of her career. Because she was tasked with key roles in developing diverse global initiatives, she was well prepared to work in other locations and ultimately for UAPB.

Dr. Nazia Arbab has been impacting agricultural and natural resource economics and policy for the past 15 years. She recently joined the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Extension, bringing her expertise on sustainable agriculture, natural resource management and decision-making at a range of scales from small communities and municipalities to state and regional.

At UMES, Arbab is involved in designing, coordinating and implementing educational activities and tools to promote practices including business planning, financial management, risk management and farm enterprise-related decision-making.

As a co-project director on Improving Farmers’ Access to Resources and Management Solutions II (IFARMS 2), Arbab developed business decision tools and educational programming for socially disadvantaged farmers, veterans and other underserved audiences residing on and near the Delmarva Peninsula. This includes the Eastern Shores of Maryland and Virginia and parts of Delaware. She is also developing a Spatial Economic Decision Support Tool. The tool is designed to support economic, environmental and social decisions. It will also help farmers and communities build their capacities in the agricultural industry.

Arbab holds a doctorate in natural resource economics from West Virginia University, a master’s degree in applied sociology from the University of Texas at Dallas, a master’s degree in economics from Quaid-i-Azam University and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Sindh, both in Pakistan. She is an assistant professor and agricultural and resource economics specialist with UMES.

First thing in the morning, you can find Rachel Lawmaster caring for rabbits and working with greenhouse plants. The rest of her day might include more farm work, office work or hosting a weekly program at the Petersburg Boys and Girls Club to introduce students to agriculture (her favorite day of the week).

Lawmaster is Virginia State University's (VSU) program assistant for the Urban Agriculture program. She combines passion, commitment and a broad array of outreach efforts to impact her community positively. With her expertise and professional ease on the farm, you might guess Lawmaster spent her entire life in agriculture. While she did not grow up on a farm, her connection to nature and science helped lay the foundation for her future work.

After spending a year working at the Southern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SPAREC), Lawmaster changed her area of focus from horticulture to agronomy at Virginia Tech and took a position as a farm manager for a farm-to-table catering company.

"I enjoyed working with Extension and then gained a new appreciation for it as a producer," says Lawmaster. "I wouldn't have been as successful without help from my local Extension agent and team." With this appreciation in mind and after seeing the positive impact of community gardens in Richmond, Lawmaster joined the Urban Ag program at VSU.

Virginia Cooperative Extension extends the resources of Virginia's two land-grant universities, Virginia State University and Virginia Tech, to solve problems facing Virginians every day.

West Virginia State University Economic Development Center (EDC) Director Kaysha Jackson is a workforce development specialist who believes in the influence of collaboration and partnerships to empower individuals for success.

One of the partnerships that Jackson has forged is with The Childcare Lounge, which offers online child care classes and resources to support child care professionals. Through this partnership, Jackson offers free courses essential for obtaining the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential. The courses ensure a skilled workforce and elevate child care standards in the community.

Another collaboration that Jackson has established is with TLTEK LLC, an IT consulting firm that provides expert services in network design, technology integration and infrastructure implementation.

“This partnership is unique because it provides free fiberoptic installation training that bridges the digital divide and opens doors to technological employment,” Jackson explained. “It also equips individuals with in-demand skills and bolsters economic development in the region.”

Her collaborative approach to workforce development exemplifies the power of collective action in building a brighter future for all. Through strategic partnerships, she extends the reach and impact of her initiative, nurturing talent and fostering economic growth.