UT-TSU Extension Shelby County Director Inspires Growth Through Leadership and Community Programs
Can you share a bit about your background and the journey that brought you to your role at UTIA?
I grew up in Jackson, Mississippi, but spent many summers on my grandparents’ farm in Kewanee, MS. My grandmother had a half-acre vegetable garden, and my grandfather grew corn, cotton and sugarcane on about 400 acres. I was always interested in how a little seed about the size of a dime could grow to provide food for so many. I majored in plant & soil science at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I had an internship the summer of my junior year at Cornell Agritech, an agricultural experiment station in Geneva, New York, working in the diagnostic lab. After that experience, I knew a career in Extension would be meaningful. While working at the Memphis Botanic Garden, I was approached by several master gardener volunteers who asked to me apply for a job with the Shelby County Extension office as a horticulture agent and coordinator of the master gardener program. I applied, and the rest is history!
Can you describe your responsibilities and your average day in the life as the Director of UT-TSU Extension Shelby County?
As the director of UT-TSU Extension Shelby County, I provide overall leadership for and coordination of the county’s Extension program. I work to strengthen our presence in the county and its role in local communities and develop a county budget. My responsibilities also include conducting evaluations of administrative professionals and staff in the county, contributing to recruitment and hiring of agents and program associate positions and enhancing morale while contributing to a positive and professional work environment. My average day consists of answering staff questions, fielding phone calls, addressing emails and planning for programs.
What educational programs have you found to be most impactful in promoting sustainable urban/home horticulture practices?
The Master Gardener program and Tennessee Smart Yards both promote creating healthier and sustainable landscapes and communities. These are two very popular horticulture programs here in Shelby County.
What are some of the challenges and rewards of working in horticulture with UT Extension?
Some of the challenges I face while working in horticulture are a general lack of awareness and understanding of horticulture, a shortage of skilled labor, and attitudes about horticulture careers. On the other hand, some of the great rewards of working in this field include seeing smiles on faces after addressing horticulture questions, educating the public about new findings and research in the horticulture industry, and being asked to present gardening information to garden clubs, civic groups, churches, libraries, teachers, and youth.
What is your proudest professional or personal (or both!) accomplishment?
Some of my proudest accomplishments include developing members of my staff as leaders in our community and presenting a UT-TSU Shelby County Extension PowerPoint presentation to the Shelby County Board of Commissioners. That presentation was deemed “the highlight of the morning” from several of the Commissioners.
Can you elaborate on the role and impact of the Extension Master Gardener Program in Shelby County?
The Memphis Area Master Gardeners are an extension of who I am. Because of the work they do, we are able to meet the horticultural needs of gardeners throughout our community. We had 388 Extension Master Gardeners contribute 23,008 hours of service to assist and/or educate citizens in the areas of plant and soil science principles, landscape maintenance, pest and disease control, fruit and vegetable production, and environmental stewardship of water and soil resources.
Can you share a success story of a community member or group who benefited significantly from your programs?
As the host of The Family Plot, a weekly public television gardening program, the goal is to share research-based horticulture information with the public. Here is one of my favorite success stories about the show:
“As a retired Extension Horticulture Agent and Specialist, Michigan State University, I just wanted to say it was good to see a gardening program that had useful and timely information. I hope your program has a long and successful run”. – Randall Heatley
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out in urban gardening?
- Get your soil tested!
- Select the right location and space for your plants.
- Choose plants suitable for urban gardens.
- Water and fertilize properly.
- Take pest management prevention seriously.
- Harvest at the right time.
- Get involved in your community.
- Contact your county Extension office for resources and view our Extension publications online.
Do you have any favorite plants or gardening techniques that you personally enjoy and recommend?
I love lantana! ‘Miss Huff’ and ‘Ham and Eggs” are my favorite varieties. It’s something about the blooms, colors and pollinator activity that fascinates me about this plant. Plus, they are easy to grow.
What do you like to do outside of work and/or what is a fun fact about yourself that your colleagues may not know?
I am an avid runner. The St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend is my favorite event. Most people don’t know that I am a classical trained pianist. Pretty cool skill to have!
